The NFL’s historic first game in Brazil is now confirmed, with the Philadelphia Eagles set to host the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Sept. 6. This matchup marks a significant milestone, not only because it’s the league’s debut in Brazil but also because it’s scheduled for a Friday, a rarity in NFL history.
The decision to hold the game on a Friday during Week 1 adds to its uniqueness. It’s been 54 years since the NFL last scheduled a Friday game for the opening week of the season, dating back to 1970 when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cardinals 34-13.
Scheduling Friday games in the regular season is infrequent due to restrictions outlined in the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. This legislation prohibits the NFL from televising games on Fridays and Saturdays from the second weekend in September through the second weekend in December, as those days are traditionally reserved for high school and college football.
NFL Seizes Opportunity for Friday Game in 2024 Season: Exploring a Unique Scheduling Choice
However, a broadcasting loophole has allowed for this exception in 2024, enabling the NFL to seize the opportunity for a Friday game. This decision has generated considerable anticipation and curiosity about what this unique scheduling choice means for the upcoming season.
The NFL traditionally commences its season on the first Thursday following Labor Day. If Labor Day falls on September 3 or later, the NFL’s opening weekend is pushed to the second weekend of September, with Friday games typically not permitted. However, with Labor Day scheduled for September 2 this year, the NFL was able to schedule a Friday game on September 6.
In 2023, the NFL took advantage of a broadcasting loophole to schedule a Black Friday game. According to the Sports Broadcasting Act, the NFL can schedule a Friday game if a significant portion of the game concludes before 6 p.m. local time. This allowed the Dolphins and Jets to kick off their game at 3 p.m. ET on Black Friday.
NFL Announces Friday Opener in Brazil for 2025 Season: Eagles vs. Packers to Kick Off in São Paulo
Looking ahead to 2025, with Labor Day falling on September 1, the NFL could potentially schedule another Friday opener, perhaps even in a foreign country, to kick off the season.
The NFL is likely to schedule the upcoming game in Brazil in prime time, although the official kickoff time won’t be announced until the schedule is released in May.
Here’s what we know so far: The Eagles are set to travel to São Paulo, Brazil, to open their season against the Packers in a game scheduled for Friday, September 6. The game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock. This marks only the third time since 2010 that the NFL has held a game on a Friday.