Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

NFL Confirms No Friday Night Week 1 Game in 2026 Because of Federal Blackout Rule

Executives said the Sports Broadcasting Act’s September blackout window closes off the slot, steering future international games to other national windows.

2YMNYRT An NFL logo on a green artificial grass football field line in full color.
Image
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the NFL logo on the goalpost pads before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Image

Overview

  • Hans Schroeder, the NFL’s EVP of media distribution, confirmed the 2026 schedule cannot include a Week 1 Friday game because Labor Day falls on Sept. 7, placing the opener inside the law’s restricted period.
  • The league used early Labor Days in 2024 and 2025 to stage Friday Week 1 internationals, a run that ends after this week’s Chiefs–Chargers matchup in São Paulo on YouTube.
  • Exclusive rights to the Friday showcase commanded premium fees, with NBCUniversal/Peacock paying about $105 million in 2024 and YouTube reported to have paid a similar amount for 2025.
  • With the Friday slot off the board, the NFL is evaluating alternatives such as packaging international games in an early Sunday 9:30 a.m. ET window, an approach industry watchers expect could grow.
  • Plans for 2026 include the first regular‑season game in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground with the Rams as the designated home team, alongside an expanded slate that features other overseas venues.