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NFL Thanksgiving Eve Game: 2026 Schedule Change

ESPN NFL •
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The NFL is exploring the possibility of adding a game on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, according to a source who spoke with ESPN's Adam Schefter. This potential schedule change could be implemented as early as the 2026 season, with the game tentatively set for Wednesday, November 25.

The move would mark another deviation from the league's traditional schedule as the NFL continues to expand its holiday offerings. The league has already established Black Friday games since 2023 and played two contests on Christmas Day in 2024 when December 25 fell on a Wednesday. Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed interest in adding a second game to the Black Friday slate.

If implemented, a Thanksgiving Eve game would create a nine-day stretch featuring seven days of NFL action, including the traditional Thanksgiving tripleheader. This expansion strategy reflects the league's ongoing efforts to maximize viewership opportunities during the holiday season and capitalize on family gatherings when audiences are more likely to watch football together.