Get ready for a change in the NFL schedule! Next season, Week 1 won't feature a Friday night game. Why? A little-known federal law is throwing a wrench into the league's plans.
The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961: The Reason Behind the Change
The NFL's COO, Hans Schroeder, confirmed that the league can't legally kick off its season with a Friday game in 2026. The culprit is an antitrust provision in the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. This act prevents professional football broadcasts within 75 miles of a high school or college game on Fridays and Saturdays from the second Friday in September through the second Saturday in December.
So, what's different next year? Labor Day falls on September 7th, pushing the following Thursday into the second week of September. This means the blackout period kicks in on that Friday, making a Friday night game illegal.
Protecting High School and College Football
Congress passed the SBA to shield high school and college football from direct competition with professional games. The idea was to give these levels of football a chance to thrive without being overshadowed by the NFL.
In the past, the NFL has worked around this by scheduling the season opener on the first Thursday after Labor Day when the holiday fell early enough. This allowed them to squeeze in a Friday night game before the blackout period began. This year, they even used the loophole to broadcast an international game between the Eagles and Packers in Brazil.
What Does This Mean for the 2026 NFL Season?
While the absence of a Friday night game in Week 1 is a change, it doesn't fundamentally alter the excitement surrounding the NFL season. Fans can still look forward to a thrilling kickoff weekend filled with exciting matchups and unforgettable moments. The league will likely adjust the schedule to compensate, ensuring a captivating start to the season.
- Week 1 will NOT feature a Friday game in 2026
- The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 is the reason.
- Labor day falling later is the issue.