{"id":2407,"date":"2026-03-18T01:36:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T01:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/?p=2407"},"modified":"2026-03-18T01:36:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T01:36:18","slug":"nfl-week-1-gets-a-midweek-makeover-why-the-season-opener-is-shifting-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/sports-media\/nfl-week-1-gets-a-midweek-makeover-why-the-season-opener-is-shifting-days\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Week 1 Gets a Midweek Makeover: Why the Season Opener Is Shifting Days"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">The <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">NFL&#8217;s 2026 regular season<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> is set to make history by opening on a <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Wednesday night<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> for the first time ever, departing from the traditional Thursday kickoff that has defined the league&#8217;s start for over two decades. This scheduling tweak, driven by a combination of international commitments, broadcast inventory, and longstanding legal restrictions, reflects the NFL&#8217;s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint while navigating complex logistical and regulatory challenges.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>NFL opening night moves to Wednesday<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">According to reports from industry insiders like The Wall Street Journal&#8217;s Joe <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Flint\u00a0and corroborated by sources such as The Athletic and Puck&#8217;s John Ourand, the league&#8217;s opening game will air on <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">NBC<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> on Wednesday night. <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">This primetime slot is expected to feature the <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Seattle Seahawks<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">, the reigning Super Bowl champions, hosting their home opener. The game will serve as the ceremonial raising of the Super Bowl banner\u2014a moment of celebration for the team and its fans\u2014marking a fitting spotlight for the champions to launch the new campaign.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span><\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Some small NFL TV news. The first game of the regular season will be on Wednesday night on NBC (vs usual Thursday). The Melbourne game will be on Thursday &#8212; platform TBD. NFL can&#8217;t do a Friday game this year on opening week, hence the tweaks.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Joe Flint (@JBFlint) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JBFlint\/status\/2033931277393662191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">This shift represents a significant departure, as the NFL Kickoff Game has typically been reserved for Thursdays since the early 2000s, often featuring the defending champions in a high-profile matchup.<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">The reason for the Wednesday move ties directly to the league&#8217;s ambitious international schedule. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">The NFL has confirmed a landmark game in <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Melbourne, Australia<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">\u2014<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/47840040\/49ers-named-rams-opponent-nfl-1st-game-australia\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the first regular-season contest ever held in the country<\/a>\u2014at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The matchup pits the <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Los Angeles Rams<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> (as the designated home team) against their NFC West rivals, the <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">San Francisco 49ers<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Due to the extreme time difference and the lengthy travel involved for both teams (crossing multiple time zones and the International Date Line), the league prioritized player recovery and preparation for Week 2. Scheduling this game on Thursday allows the participants adequate rest without forcing a short week turnaround later in the season.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">This adjustment eliminates the possibility of a Friday game in opening week, a format the NFL has used in recent years for international matchups (such as games in Brazil). The absence stems from provisions in the <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">, an antitrust exemption that protects high school and college football by restricting professional broadcasts on Fridays and Saturdays during their seasons. While the league has occasionally found workarounds for select international games, those exemptions don&#8217;t apply consistently to opening week in 2026, forcing the NFL to pivot to midweek options.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>NFL in Australia<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">The changes also create opportunities on the broadcast side. With <\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">ESPN&#8217;s<\/span><\/span><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\"> acquisition of the NFL Network, the league now has four additional games of inventory to sell to partners. The Melbourne game, set for Thursday, will air on a platform to be determined\u2014potentially one of the major networks or a streaming service\u2014adding flexibility to the league&#8217;s media rights strategy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">Midweek games have sparked debate among fans, players, and coaches over the years, with concerns about player health, fan attendance, and viewing habits. However, the NFL argues that Week 1&#8217;s unique timing mitigates these issues. Teams enter the regular season after a full offseason and preseason, providing ample rest before the opener. The Wednesday and Thursday games allow for a normal recovery period heading into Sunday&#8217;s Week 2 slate, avoiding the need for byes or compressed schedules early on.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1g7jtus r-1x3r274\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">This scheduling innovation <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/sports-media\/nfl-exploring-adding-more-national-tv-games-to-thanksgiving-weekend\/\" target=\"_self\">underscores the NFL&#8217;s broader strategy<\/a>: growing the sport internationally while maximizing revenue through flexible broadcasting. The Wednesday opener on NBC promises a spectacle, with the Seahawks&#8217; banner-raising ceremony drawing massive viewership. Meanwhile, the Thursday game in Melbourne not only introduces American football to a new audience Down Under but also highlights the league&#8217;s commitment to global expansion.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1adg3ll r-1x3r274 r-p1pxzi\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3\"><span class=\"css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3 r-1x3r274\">As the 2026 season approaches, these tweaks signal an evolving NFL\u2014one willing to break from tradition to accommodate its ambitions. Fans can expect an exciting, unconventional start that blends championship pageantry with international flair, setting the tone for what could be another thrilling year of professional football.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NFL&#8217;s 2026 regular season is set to make history by opening on a Wednesday night for the first time ever, departing from the traditional Thursday kickoff that has defined the league&#8217;s start for over two decades. This scheduling tweak, driven by a combination of international commitments, broadcast inventory, and longstanding legal restrictions, reflects the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5665,"featured_media":2410,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[396,267,277,264,238],"tags":[75],"class_list":["post-2407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-disney","category-espn","category-nbcsn","category-news","category-sports-media","tag-featured"],"modified_by":"Steve Carney","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5665"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2407"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2411,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407\/revisions\/2411"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/media\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}