NFL 2025: Global Expansion and Fresh Faces Shape Historic New Season
A New Era of International Football
The 106th NFL season is set to begin on September 4, 2025, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Kickoff Game. The regular season will conclude on January 4, 2026.
The 2025 season marks a historic milestone with seven regular season games scheduled outside the United States – the most ever in NFL history. According to NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly, this unprecedented international schedule ‘showcases an exciting selection of matchups featuring major NFL stars’ while underlining the NFL’s commitment to becoming a truly global sport.
Global Venues and Groundbreaking Matchups
The expanded International Series includes some groundbreaking venues, with the NFL owners having approved up to eight international games starting in 2025. The series kicks off with Kansas City facing the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, followed by a historic first NFL regular season game in Ireland, featuring Minnesota against Pittsburgh at Croke Park in Dublin.
Roster Developments and Team Changes
Several significant trades have shaped the preseason landscape, including a blockbuster deal between the Cowboys and Packers that sent edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons is set to sign a substantial four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers.
Rule Changes and Broadcast Updates
The league has implemented notable rule changes for 2025, particularly regarding onside kicks. Teams can now declare an onside kick at any point when trailing, with the ball being placed at the 34-yard line instead of the traditional 35-yard line.
Broadcasting arrangements remain robust, with NBC continuing to air Sunday Night Football and the NFL Kickoff Game, while ESPN maintains its Monday Night Football coverage. Additionally, this marks the fourth year of Amazon Prime Video and Twitch’s 12-year deal to exclusively stream Thursday Night Football.
