When Does Football Season Start 2025? Key Dates

By Sarah Miller · May 8, 2027

The 2025 football season start dates vary by league and region, but generally kick off between August and September 2025. The English Premier League is expected to begin on August 16, 2025, while the NFL regular season will likely start around September 4, 2025. College football in the U.S. typically begins earlier, with non-conference games starting as early as August 30, 2025.

When Does Football Season Start in 2025?

The global football calendar for 2025 features multiple leagues across different formats, including association football (soccer) and American football. While 'football' means different sports depending on region, this guide covers major leagues worldwide, detailing exact or projected start dates based on historical patterns and official announcements.

Major Association Football Leagues Start Dates

Top European soccer leagues follow a seasonal schedule from summer to spring. Although official 2025 calendars may not yet be confirmed, start dates are typically consistent year-to-year.

Premier League (England): Expected to start on August 16, 2025
La Liga (Spain): Likely to begin August 15–17, 2025
Bundesliga (Germany): Projected to kick off August 8–9, 2025
Serie A (Italy): Anticipated start: August 23, 2025
Ligue 1 (France): Expected to open August 9, 2025

NFL Season Schedule 2025

The National Football League (NFL) follows a fall-to-winter calendar. The 2025 regular season is projected to begin Thursday, September 4, 2025, following the traditional kickoff game.

Key NFL 2025 Dates (Projected)

Preseason: Early August 2025
Regular Season: September 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Playoffs: January 10–18, 2026
Super Bowl LIX: February 8, 2026, at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

College Football 2025 Start Date

NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams usually begin their season in late August. For 2025, the first games are expected on August 30, 2025, with conference play ramping up through September.

The College Football Playoff semifinals are scheduled for January 1, 2026 (at the Orange and Cotton Bowls), with the National Championship on January 12, 2026.

International and Other Leagues

Outside the U.S. and Europe, many leagues operate on varied schedules due to climate and regional preferences.

MLS (USA/Canada): Expected to start February 22, 2025
A-League (Australia): Likely October 2025 start
J1 League (Japan): Typically begins in February 2025
Indian Super League: Usually starts November 2025

2025 Football Season Key Dates Comparison

League	Country	Type	Expected Start Date	End Date	Notes
English Premier League	England	Soccer	August 16, 2025	May 2026	Subject to final confirmation
Bundesliga	Germany	Soccer	August 8, 2025	May 2026	Earliest major European league start
NFL Regular Season	USA	American Football	September 4, 2025	January 4, 2026	Kickoff game tradition
NCAA FBS Season	USA	College Football	August 30, 2025	January 12, 2026	CFP National Championship
Major League Soccer	USA/Canada	Soccer	February 22, 2025	November 2025	Follows calendar-year schedule

Table data source:Premier League, NFL, NCAA, MLS

The table highlights the diversity in football season timing globally. European soccer leagues dominate the August–May window, while American football peaks during fall and winter. MLS and other nations like Japan adopt calendar-year models aligned with local climates and broadcast needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season 2025

When does the Premier League 2025 season start?

The Premier League 2025/26 season is expected to begin on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with the full fixture list typically released in mid-June 2025.

What date does the NFL season start in 2025?

The NFL 2025 regular season is projected to start on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with the defending champions hosting the opening game.

When does college football start in 2025?

College football games for the 2025 NCAA season are scheduled to begin on August 30, 2025, with early matchups often featuring non-conference opponents.

Does Major League Soccer start in 2025?

Yes, MLS 2025 is expected to begin on February 22, 2025, continuing its traditional early-year kickoff to avoid conflict with the NFL and college football seasons.