The National Football League is reportedly exploring the addition of games on Wednesdays, a move that would further populate the weekly schedule and intensify the league's continuous drive for growth. This push comes as the league has already integrated games on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights, and is looking to fill even more days.
The NFL's interest in Wednesday games appears to center around filling specific calendar gaps, notably the night before Thanksgiving. This would provide an additional marquee event around a holiday already synonymous with football. Reports suggest the league is also considering a Wednesday game as part of a package that includes an annual Thanksgiving Eve contest.
While the league has historically avoided Tuesday and Wednesday games, Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously offered insights, stating the league would refrain from scheduling games on those days if Christmas fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday. However, with the league seeking to expand its reach, such considerations might be re-evaluated.
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Filling the Calendar
The NFL's strategy involves "keeping growing the game and the league," a process that has seen the introduction of Monday and Thursday night fixtures. The prospect of Wednesday games aligns with this objective, potentially offering fans more content and reinforcing the league's omnipresence in the sports landscape.
The league already occupies Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays with games.
A new contract has also incorporated Sunday night games.
The league is looking to add a game before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday.
Historical Precedents and Potential Pitfalls
Wednesday games are not entirely unprecedented. The NFL has played on Wednesdays previously, notably when Christmas Day has fallen on a Wednesday. In such instances, teams involved in Christmas Day games have sometimes played their preceding Saturday games to accommodate.
However, the league has also pushed back against the idea of regular Wednesday play. Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated that fans hoping for more NFL action on Tuesdays and Wednesdays might be disappointed, suggesting a cautious approach to such scheduling. Some reporting in late 2024 dismissed claims of regular Wednesday games as fabricated, originating from unreliable sources.
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Expansion Context
This potential scheduling shift occurs within a broader context of NFL expansion. The league has been moving towards occupying every day of the week with games. Notably, there has been discussion about scheduling a game on Black Friday, following the addition of a game on that day. Furthermore, the league has considered a Labor Day weekend game, particularly in relation to international broadcasts. The idea of a rare Wednesday game or a Labor Day contest has been floated for the 2026 schedule.
The rationale for expanding the schedule is tied to the league's overarching goal of growth. This has led to considerations like scheduling games in far-flung locations, which could influence domestic scheduling decisions. The potential for a Wednesday game, especially before Thanksgiving, represents another step in this calculated expansion.
