Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans eagerly anticipating the start of each season. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a professional team or just enjoy watching the occasional game, knowing when football season begins is essential for keeping up with the action. However, the answer to this question varies depending on the league and country you’re referring to.

In this article, we will break down the start dates of major football leagues, including the NFL (National Football League), college football (NCAA), and European club football. Additionally, we will explore how long the seasons last and answer a couple of related questions that many fans often ask.

When Does Football Season Start?

The start of the football season depends on the specific league and country. Below is a breakdown of the major football leagues and when their seasons typically begin.

1. NFL (National Football League) – U.S. Professional Football

• Start Date: The NFL regular season usually begins in early September, right after Labor Day weekend.
• Preseason: The preseason games start in early August, serving as preparation for teams before the official season kicks off.
• Opening Game: The first regular-season game is typically played on a Thursday night, featuring the previous year’s Super Bowl champion.

2. NCAA College Football

• Start Date: The NCAA college football season typically begins in late August or early September.
• Key Events: Some smaller college football games (known as Week Zero games) may take place in mid-August, but the full season usually starts the first weekend of September.

3. European Club Football (Soccer)

While “football” in the U.S. refers to American football, in most other parts of the world, “football” means soccer. Here are the typical start dates for major soccer leagues:

• English Premier League (EPL): Mid-August
• La Liga (Spain): Mid-August
• Bundesliga (Germany): Mid-August
• Serie A (Italy): Mid-August
• Ligue 1 (France): Early August

These leagues run from August to May, with a winter break in some countries.

How Long Does the Football Season Last?

The length of a football season depends on the league and competition format. Below are the durations of some of the biggest football seasons:

1. NFL (American Football)

• Regular Season: 18 weeks (each team plays 17 games with one bye week).
• Playoffs: The playoffs begin in January and culminate in the Super Bowl, which takes place in early February.

2. NCAA College Football

• Regular Season: Approximately 13-14 weeks, running from late August to early December.
• Bowl Games & Playoffs: Bowl games and the College Football Playoff National Championship extend into January.

3. European Soccer Leagues

• Regular Season: Most leagues run from August to May.
• Mid-Season Breaks: Some leagues, such as the Bundesliga, have a winter break in December-January.
• Cup Competitions: Additional tournaments like the Champions League and domestic cup competitions extend the football calendar for many teams.

Related Question 1: When Does the NFL Preseason Start?

The NFL preseason is a series of exhibition games played before the official season begins. It allows teams to evaluate players and test strategies.

• Start Date: Early August
• Duration: About three weeks
• Number of Games: Each team plays three preseason games (except for the teams in the Hall of Fame Game, who play four).

Preseason games may not have the intensity of regular-season matchups, but they provide a first look at rookies and new players before the main action begins in September.

Related Question 2: When Do the NFL and College Football Playoffs Start?

NFL Playoffs

• The NFL playoffs begin in early January, featuring the top 14 teams from the regular season.
• The playoffs lead up to the Super Bowl, which usually takes place on the second Sunday in February.

College Football Playoffs (CFP)

• The College Football Playoff semifinals typically take place in late December or early January.
• The National Championship Game occurs about a week after the semifinals, typically in early January.

Both the NFL and NCAA playoffs create an exciting climax to the season, bringing high-stakes competition and unforgettable moments.

Final Thoughts

So, when does football season start? The answer depends on the league:

• NFL regular season begins in early September and runs through February.
• NCAA college football starts in late August or early September and lasts until January.
• European club soccer leagues start in August and continue until May.

Football fans eagerly await these start dates every year, as the season brings thrilling games, intense rivalries, and unforgettable plays. Whether you’re an NFL enthusiast, a college football fan, or a soccer lover, the football season offers months of excitement and entertainment.

Now that you know when the season starts, mark your calendars and get ready for the action!