When Does Football Start in 2025? Key Dates by League

By Sarah Miller · December 10, 2039

Football season schedules vary by league and region, but in the U.S., the NFL regular season typically starts the weekend after Labor Day, with the 2025 kickoff scheduled for September 4–8. Internationally, European leagues like the English Premier League begin in mid-August, aligning with the academic calendar and summer break patterns.

When Does Football Start? Key Dates by League

Understanding when football starts depends on the specific league, country, and level of play. Below is a breakdown of major football leagues and their typical start dates.

American Football: NFL and College

The NFL regular season begins in early September, usually the Thursday following Labor Day.
Preseason games start in early August, offering fans a preview of team rosters and strategies.
College football (NCAA) kicks off in late August, with some high-profile matchups starting as early as August 23.
The NFL Draft, held in April, marks the unofficial start of team-building for the upcoming season.

International Soccer Leagues

In most European countries, the top-tier football (soccer) leagues follow an August-to-May schedule to avoid summer heat and accommodate winter breaks.

Premier League (England): Starts around August 16.
Bundesliga (Germany): Begins in mid-August, often earlier than other leagues.
La Liga (Spain): Typically starts the last weekend of August.
Serie A (Italy): Opens in late August.
Ligue 1 (France): Usually begins in the first week of August.

Factors Influencing Football Start Dates

Several factors determine when football seasons begin across different regions and formats.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Countries with extreme summer heat or harsh winters adjust schedules accordingly. For example, Gulf nations often play domestic leagues in fall and winter.

Academic Calendar Alignment

College football in the U.S. starts in late August to align with university semesters, while youth leagues often begin after summer vacation ends.

Global Competition Scheduling

FIFA international windows and continental tournaments like the UEFA Champions League influence domestic league timelines to avoid fixture congestion.

2025 Football Season Start Dates Comparison

League	Country	Season Format	Expected Start Date (2025)	End Date	Games per Season
NFL	United States	Fall	September 4–8	January 2026	17
NCAA Football	United States	Fall	August 23–30	January 2026	12–14 + playoffs
Premier League	England	August–May	August 16	May 24, 2026	38
Bundesliga	Germany	August–May	August 15	May 23, 2026	34
La Liga	Spain	August–May	August 29	May 23, 2026	38
Serie A	Italy	August–May	August 23	May 24, 2026	38
Ligue 1	France	August–May	August 9	May 23, 2026	34

Table data source:NFL Official Site, Premier League, Bundesliga.com, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, NCAA

The table highlights key differences in start dates between American and European football leagues. U.S.-based leagues begin in late summer and conclude in winter, while European soccer leagues run from August through May. This scheduling allows teams to participate in continental competitions during the spring months.

Ligue 1 starts earliest among European leagues, often in early August, giving players less summer break compared to other leagues. In contrast, the NFL’s later September kickoff allows for a full preseason and training camp cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Football Starts

When does the NFL season start in 2025?

The 2025 NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 4, with the defending Super Bowl champion hosting the opening game. The full slate of Week 1 games will take place from September 4 to September 8.

What time do football games usually start?

In the NFL, games are typically played on Sundays at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM ET, with additional matchups on Thursday and Monday nights. European league matches often kick off between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time, with weekend fixtures spread throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Why does college football start before the NFL?

College football starts in late August to align with the academic calendar, allowing student-athletes to complete their season before final exams. It also gives NCAA programs more flexibility in scheduling bowl games and playoff appearances without conflicting with professional leagues.

Do all European football leagues start at the same time?

No, European leagues do not all start simultaneously. Ligue 1 (France) typically begins in early August, followed by Bundesliga (Germany) and Premier League (England) in mid-August, with La Liga (Spain) and Serie A (Italy) starting slightly later in the month.

How long is a football season?

An NFL season lasts 18 weeks including preseason, with 17 regular-season games. College football teams play 12 regular-season games, plus conference championships and bowl games. In Europe, top-flight leagues like the Premier League run for about 38 weeks, from August to May, with each team playing 38 matches.

Final Thoughts on Football Season Start Dates

Knowing when football starts helps fans plan viewing schedules, purchase tickets, and engage with fantasy leagues or betting markets. Whether you're following the hard-hitting action of the NFL or the global spectacle of the Premier League, season start dates are carefully coordinated around climate, competition, and culture. As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect exciting kickoff events across both American and international football landscapes.