When Does the Football Season Start? Key Dates by League

By Sarah Miller · August 17, 2052

The football season start date varies by league and country, but in most major leagues, the season begins between July and September. For example, the English Premier League typically starts in mid-August, while Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. kicks off in late February or early March. NFL's regular season usually begins in early September. Understanding these timelines helps fans, athletes, and bettors stay engaged year-round.

When Does the Football Season Start? A Global Overview

Football, known as soccer in some countries, follows different seasonal calendars depending on the region and competition format. Most professional leagues align their seasons with the calendar year or operate across two calendar years. The start dates are influenced by climate, international fixtures, and broadcasting schedules.

Key Leagues and Their Season Start Dates

English Premier League (EPL): Mid-August
La Liga (Spain): Mid-August
Bundesliga (Germany): Late August
Serie A (Italy): Late August to early September
Ligue 1 (France): Early August
Major League Soccer (MLS): Late February or early March
NFL (American Football): Early September
A-League (Australia): October

Factors Influencing Football Season Start Dates

Several factors determine when a football season begins. These include:

Climate and Weather Conditions

In Europe, leagues avoid summer peak heat and winter snow, favoring August to May seasons. In contrast, countries with extreme summer heat (e.g., Middle East) schedule matches from September to May or even in winter.

International Competitions

FIFA international windows, World Cup qualifiers, and continental tournaments like UEFA Euro or Copa América force domestic leagues to pause, affecting start and end dates.

Commercial and Broadcasting Schedules

Leagues coordinate with broadcasters to maximize viewership. Starting after major summer events (e.g., Olympics, concerts) ensures better audience retention.

Player Rest and Transfer Windows

Clubs need time for pre-season training and transfers. Most seasons begin after summer transfer windows close (typically August 31).

League	Country	Season Format	Typical Start Date	Typical End Date	2024-25 Confirmed Start
English Premier League	England	August–May	Mid-August	May	August 17, 2024
La Liga	Spain	August–June	Mid-August	June	August 18, 2024
Bundesliga	Germany	August–May	Late August	May	August 23, 2024
Serie A	Italy	August–June	Late August	June	August 17, 2024
Ligue 1	France	August–May	Early August	May	August 16, 2024
MLS Regular Season	USA/Canada	February–November	End of February	November	February 21, 2025
NFL Regular Season	USA	September–January	Early September	January	September 5, 2024
A-League Men	Australia	October–May	October	May	October 18, 2024

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The table highlights significant variation in football season start dates globally. European leagues predominantly follow an August-to-May structure, allowing teams to finish before summer international tournaments. In contrast, MLS adopts a calendar-year model, starting in February to align with North American sports calendars. The NFL’s early September kickoff avoids overlap with major college football games and maximizes TV ratings during prime fall months.

Pre-Season vs. Regular Season

Before the official start, clubs engage in pre-season activities:

Pre-Season Training: Begins 4–6 weeks before opening match
Friendlies & Tours: Teams play exhibition matches, often internationally
Squad Preparation: Coaches assess fitness, test tactics, and integrate new signings

The regular season marks the beginning of competitive league fixtures that count toward standings and titles.

How Off-Season Transfers Impact Season Start

The summer transfer window (July–August) directly affects team readiness. Clubs finalize rosters just before the season starts, impacting early performance. High-profile signings often debut in the first few matches, increasing fan engagement and media attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season Start Dates

When does the Premier League season start in 2024?

The 2024-25 Premier League season is scheduled to begin on August 17, 2024, following the traditional mid-August kickoff used since 2000.

Why does MLS start in February while European leagues start in August?

MLS aligns with the North American sports calendar, avoiding conflicts with NFL and NBA seasons. Starting in February allows the season to conclude in November, before winter weather impacts gameplay.

Do all football leagues follow the same season schedule?

No. Leagues in Europe typically run from August to May, while those in countries like the U.S., Australia, and parts of Asia follow different calendars based on climate and local sports culture.

What is the NFL football season start date in 2024?

The 2024 NFL regular season will officially begin on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with a Week 1 matchup broadcast nationally.

How do World Cup or Euro years affect domestic league start dates?

In international tournament years, domestic leagues may start later or have extended breaks. For example, after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in December, many European leagues resumed in January 2023, delaying the next season’s start slightly.