Every spring, football fans grow restless, eyes fixed on the calendar, waiting for one of the NFL’s most anticipated off-field moments: the schedule release. It’s not just dates and matchups — it’s the first taste of the season ahead.
Teams tease the reveal with cryptic posts and hype videos, while analysts and insiders speculate on marquee games and holiday clashes. The buildup has become a spectacle in itself, capturing headlines across the sports world.
The league has turned a simple calendar drop into a primetime event, with players and media circling the date. The anticipation is already at its peak, as tradition once again takes center stage.
When will the 2025 NFL schedule drop?
The NFL has officially announced that the full 2025 schedule will be released on Wednesday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the unveiling live on NFL Network and ESPN2, with streaming available via NFL+.
Patrick Mahomes #15 and Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field on January 26, 2025. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
This annual event has become a significant moment in the offseason, offering teams a glimpse into the matchups and timelines that will define the upcoming season. The announcement was made during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, though the presentation faced criticism for its delivery.
Reporters Laura Rutledge and Colleen Wolfe introduced the news with heightened anticipation, only to reveal the schedule release date, leading to a lukewarm reception from enthusiasts.
Despite the hiccup, the date is now set and anticipation builds for the full reveal. This year’s schedule is expected to include several international games, with matchups in cities like London, Berlin, Madrid, São Paulo and Dublin.
These games reflect the NFL’s ongoing efforts to expand its global presence. As the release date approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the season’s narrative will unfold.
