NFL Schedule Release Date: May 18 Targeted, But Not Confirmed

The NFL’s full 272-game regular-season schedule has historically been released in mid-May, but recent remarks indicate it could be pushed to the week of May 18.

In an interview on the It's Always Game Day in Buffalo podcast, NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North stated that the league’s target remains the second week of May, though no specific date has been set.

"Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now," North said. "That's what we've done the last five or six years. That's sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20 or 21? No."

The NFL has not yet announced a confirmed release date. North emphasized flexibility, noting that while the second week of May has been the standard, the third week is not off the table.

"I don't think it's coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don't know that it's impossible to think about that third week in May," he added.

Key Factors Influencing the Schedule Release

Several variables could impact the finalization of the schedule:

• Separate five-game package negotiations: YouTube is reportedly the frontrunner to secure the exclusive package, with Netflix and Fox also in contention. North noted that knowing the details of these games is critical for proper scheduling.
• Draft developments: North acknowledged that unexpected trades or selections during the draft could require additional time to adjust the schedule. "Maybe something happens in the draft that surprises us, somebody gets traded — a quarterback, a big name — something different at the top of the draft and we need an extra couple of days to adjust and react to it," he explained.
• Aaron Rodgers’ potential return: If Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers, Pittsburgh could become a more appealing candidate for prime-time games. Without his return, the team’s scheduling appeal diminishes.

The final decision rests with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who must approve the schedule before it is released.

"It doesn't get finalized until the Commissioner of the National Football League says it's finalized," North said. "That's why I'm being coy about the date. I don't know the date. None of us know the date yet because we don't know when we're going to walk into the boss's office and present him one."

North also acknowledged the possibility of delays, stating that if the schedule isn’t ready by May 11 or 12, the process could extend to May 18, 19, or 20. "If we walk in there on May 11th or 12th and he's not happy with where we are, he'll send us back downstairs and we'll lock ourselves back in the room and we'll keep grinding until we find something he likes," he said. "And if it slides to the 18th, 19th or 20th, the world will keep spinning."