When Does the NFL Season Start in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · January 9, 2027

The NFL football season typically starts in early September, with the 2025 regular season scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 4, 2025. This follows a preseason that begins in August and features three weeks of exhibition games.

Understanding the NFL Season Structure

The National Football League (NFL) season is divided into three main phases: the preseason, the regular season, and the postseason. Each phase serves a distinct purpose in player preparation, team competition, and championship determination.

Preseason Overview

Held in August, the preseason allows teams to evaluate players, test strategies, and finalize rosters before the official season begins.

Starts mid-to-late August
Features three exhibition games per team (as of 2024 format)
Primarily involves backup and rookie players
No impact on standings

Regular Season Schedule

The NFL regular season consists of 18 weeks, during which each of the 32 teams plays 17 games. The season traditionally opens on the first Thursday after Labor Day.

Duration: Early September to early January
Each team plays 17 games over 18 weeks
Includes one "bye" week per team
Games are played Thursday through Monday

Postseason and Super Bowl

The playoffs begin in January and culminate in the Super Bowl, held in early February.

14 teams qualify (7 from each conference)
Single-elimination tournament format
Super Bowl LIX scheduled for February 9, 2025
Host city: New Orleans, Louisiana (Caesars Superdome)

NFL Season Key Dates 2024–2025

Event	Date(s)	Description
Preseason Week 1	August 8–12, 2024	First exhibition games; roster evaluations begin
Preseason Week 2	August 15–19, 2024	Increased playing time for starters
Preseason Week 3	August 22–26, 2024	Final tune-up before regular season
Regular Season Kickoff	September 5, 2024	Opening game: Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week 1 Games	September 8–9, 2024	Full slate of Sunday and Monday matchups
Bye Weeks	November 7 – December 29, 2024	Rotating rest weeks for all teams
Regular Season Finale	January 5, 2025	All teams play final game; playoff picture finalized
Wild Card Weekend	January 11–12, 2025	First round of playoffs
Divisional Round	January 18–19, 2025	Second playoff round
Conference Championships	January 26, 2025	AFC and NFC title games
Super Bowl LIX	February 9, 2025	Championship game at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

Table data source:1, 2

The table outlines the complete 2024–2025 NFL calendar, showing how the season progresses from preseason to Super Bowl. Scheduling is carefully coordinated to maximize viewership and player recovery time. The inclusion of a fixed Super Bowl date ensures long-term planning for teams and broadcasters alike.

Factors Influencing NFL Start Dates

Several factors determine when the NFL season begins each year, including television contracts, stadium availability, and alignment with major holidays.

Television Broadcast Agreements

The NFL has multi-billion dollar broadcasting deals with networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime. These agreements influence scheduling to optimize prime-time viewership.

Thursday Night Football opens the season
Sunday afternoon and night games dominate weekly schedules
Monday Night Football remains a staple
International games often scheduled on Sundays

Labor Day Tradition

The NFL season traditionally begins the Thursday after Labor Day, a U.S. holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September. This timing marks the unofficial end of summer and boosts fan engagement.

Impact of International Games

The NFL has expanded into global markets, with games played in London, Munich, and São Paulo. These events require adjustments in travel and scheduling but help grow the sport internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the NFL Season Starts

When does the 2025 NFL regular season start?

The 2025 NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 4, 2025, continuing the league's tradition of opening the season on the first Thursday after Labor Day.

How many games are in an NFL regular season?

Each NFL team plays 17 games during the 18-week regular season. This format was adopted in 2021, expanding from the previous 16-game schedule.

Do all NFL teams play on opening weekend?

No, not all teams play on opening weekend. The season kicks off with a single marquee matchup on Thursday night, followed by a full slate of games on Sunday and Monday.

What time does the NFL season usually start?

The NFL season typically starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time on Thursday night, with the opening game broadcast nationally on NBC or ESPN.

Why doesn't the NFL season start earlier than September?

The NFL avoids starting before Labor Day to prevent direct competition with college football and to allow players adequate recovery and training time after the offseason.