When Does Football Season Start in 2025? Key Dates by League

By Sarah Miller · April 2, 2033

The football season start date varies by league and region, but in the United States, the NFL regular season typically begins in early September, with the 2025 kickoff scheduled for Thursday, September 4. In Europe, most top leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga start in mid-August, usually around August 16–18. College football in the U.S. often starts earlier, in late August.

Understanding Football Season Start Dates Around the World

Football — known as soccer in North America — has different seasonal calendars depending on the country and competition. The timing of the season is influenced by climate, tradition, and international tournament schedules. Whether you're following professional leagues or college teams, knowing when the action begins helps fans plan viewing, travel, and fantasy leagues.

Key Football Leagues and Their Typical Start Dates

NFL (USA): Regular season starts first Thursday in September
Premier League (England): Mid-August start, usually a weekend after the Community Shield
La Liga (Spain): Mid-to-late August; affected by summer tournaments
Bundesliga (Germany): Begins second or third weekend of August
Serie A (Italy): Traditionally starts late August
MLS (USA/Canada): February start, runs through regular season to November playoffs
NCAA College Football (USA): Late August, with some games starting as early as August 23

2025 Football Season Start Dates by League

Below is a detailed table outlining confirmed or projected start dates for major football leagues in 2025. These dates are based on historical patterns and official announcements where available.

League	Country	Season Format	Expected Start Date (2025)	Notes
NFL	United States	September–January	September 4, 2025	Kickoff game on Thursday night
Premier League	England	August–May	August 16, 2025	Tentative; based on prior years
La Liga	Spain	August–June	August 23, 2025	May shift due to UEFA competitions
Bundesliga	Germany	August–May	August 15, 2025	One of earliest European starts
Serie A	Italy	August–May	August 22, 2025	Subject to fixture congestion
Ligue 1	France	August–May	August 17, 2025	Reduced to 18 teams from 2023 onward
MLS Regular Season	USA/Canada	February–October	February 22, 2025	Playoffs run into December
NCAA FBS Football	United States	August–January	August 30, 2025	Some early games on August 23

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The data shows a clear split between North American and European football calendars. European leagues align with the academic year, starting in August and ending in May, allowing for midweek continental matches. In contrast, the NFL and NCAA follow a fall-to-winter schedule, peaking during the winter months. MLS uses a calendar-year format to avoid weather conflicts and align with international transfer windows.

Factors Influencing Football Season Start Dates

Several variables affect when a football season begins. Understanding these helps explain scheduling decisions across leagues.

Climate and Geography

In colder regions like Northern Europe and the northern U.S., outdoor sports must account for winter conditions. European leagues finish before June to avoid extreme heat and allow for player rest. The NFL plays through winter due to indoor stadiums and shorter seasons.

International Competitions

FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, Copa America, and continental club tournaments like the Champions League disrupt domestic calendars. When these occur in summer (e.g., 2024 Euros), leagues may delay their start by a week or two.

Commercial and Broadcast Considerations

Leagues time kickoffs to maximize TV ratings and sponsorship revenue. The NFL’s Thursday night opener draws massive audiences, while European leagues stagger weekend fixtures globally. Streaming rights also influence match scheduling.

How to Stay Updated on Season Start Dates

To ensure you never miss the first kickoff, use reliable sources and tools:

Subscribe to official league newsletters (NFL, Premier League, etc.)
Follow league social media accounts for real-time updates
Use sports apps like ESPN, FotMob, or OneFootball
Add league calendars to Google Calendar via official websites
Check national football association sites (e.g., FA, US Soccer)

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season Start Dates

When does the NFL season start in 2025?

The NFL 2025 regular season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 4, with the defending Super Bowl champion hosting the opening game. The full Week 1 slate continues through Sunday, September 7 and Monday, September 8.

What month does Premier League start?

The Premier League typically starts in mid-August. For the 2025–2026 season, the expected kickoff is Saturday, August 16, 2025, following the traditional pattern of beginning the weekend after the EFL Community Shield.

Does college football start before the NFL?

Yes, NCAA Division I FBS college football usually begins in late August, around August 23–30, which is one to two weeks before the NFL season starts in early September. This allows college teams to complete a 12-game regular season before conference championships and bowl games.

Why do European football leagues start in August?

European leagues start in August to align with the academic and fiscal year, finishing in May. This schedule avoids summer heat, accommodates winter breaks in colder countries, and leaves space for UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches during midweeks.

When does the MLS season start in 2025?

The 2025 Major League Soccer regular season is projected to begin on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The season will run through October, followed by playoffs concluding in December, avoiding conflict with European leagues and U.S. fall sports.

Are football season start dates the same every year?

No, exact dates vary annually due to broadcast requirements, international tournaments, and stadium availability. While general timeframes remain consistent (e.g., August for Premier League), specific kickoff weekends shift slightly each year based on scheduling needs.