The NFL is targeting May 13 or 14 to release its 2026 schedule, with a possible short delay still in play as broadcast negotiations continue.
The league has its eyes on the second week of May for the full 2026 schedule announcement, consistent with recent years. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning, said the target window of May 12 to 14 carries no special magic but aligns with fan expectations built over the past five or six seasons. A one-week slip to May 19 through 21 would carry no major downside, he added on a recent podcast. CNBC's Alexander Sherman reported that the NFL plans to announce the schedule on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected at Disney's upfront presentation on Tuesday, which could help lock in the timing. Broadcast negotiations over a new five-game package involving Netflix and YouTube continue to influence the process. North noted that finalizing game dates for the Australia opener, a Thanksgiving eve contest, a second Black Friday game and a Christmas Eve matchup must be settled before the schedule can be completed. Goodell must personally approve the final version before any public release.
