Every spring, football fans across the United States eagerly anticipate the answer to one question: when does the NFL schedule come out? The unveiling of the league’s schedule signals the countdown to kickoff and sets the stage for months of excitement. Knowing these key dates helps fans, teams, and networks prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

When Does the NFL Schedule Come Out in 2025?

The official release date for the 2025 NFL schedule is Wednesday, May 14, 2025. According to Yahoo Sports, the announcement is set for 8 p.m. ET. This marks the moment when all 32 NFL teams learn their game dates for the new season, including primetime matchups and divisional showdowns.

Fans can tune in to the NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL app, or NFL+ for live coverage of the full release. Several high-profile games are often revealed in the days leading up to the main event, generating buzz and speculation among fans and analysts alike.

What to Expect on Schedule Release Day

The NFL schedule release isn't just a list of dates and opponents—it's an experience. Teams announce special games, media outlets speculate about the toughest stretches, and fans begin planning everything from tailgate parties to road trips. As noted by DallasCowboys.com, the Cowboys will kick off the 2025 season against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling NFC East rivalry on Thursday Night Football, September 4, 2025.

Primetime matchups, holiday games, and divisional clashes always draw attention. This season, key details—such as the exact times and locations for big games—will be available immediately following the release event.

Why Does the Schedule Release Matter?

The NFL schedule not only affects teams and strategies, but it shapes the entire experience for football fans. Coaches and players prepare for tough stretches, while supporters start making plans to attend or watch key games. The Athletic highlights how teams like the Cincinnati Bengals closely analyze the sequence of home and away games. Prime-time matchups often influence playoff chances, and local communities look forward to hosting rivals or seeing their teams featured on national television.

How Are Opponents Determined Before the Release?

Even before the full schedule comes out, teams know their home and away opponents for the year. What isn’t known until release day is the order of the games, exact dates, and which matchups land in those coveted primetime slots. For instance, Bengals fans have known since the end of the last regular season whom their team will play in 2025, as detailed by Yahoo Sports. Yet, the excitement builds around when and where those games will take place.

Where Can Fans Find and Watch the NFL Schedule Release?

Schedule release coverage will be widespread. In addition to the NFL Network’s television broadcast, official websites and apps provide instant updates. Many team sites also offer exclusive analysis and announcements. For those interested in unique insights, local outlets like DallasCowboys.com and The Athletic deliver breakdowns and key stories worth following.

Conclusion

So, when does the NFL schedule come out? Mark your calendar for May 14, 2025. This is when all the anticipation, rumors, and wishlists finally give way to the official roadmap for the new NFL season. Stay tuned to trusted sources for all the latest and start gearing up for the biggest matchups of the year. Are you ready for kickoff?