Seahawks to Kick Off 2026 NFL Season, Date, Start Time Revealed for Super Bowl Champions’ Schedule

Seahawks to Launch 2026 NFL Season on a Wednesday Night

The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off a Super Bowl LX victory, will kick off the 2026 NFL season with a primetime game on Wednesday, September 9th at 8:20 p.m. ET. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the unusual scheduling choice, marking a departure from the typical Thursday night start to the NFL season.

Why a Wednesday Kickoff? The NFL Goes Global

This year’s schedule adjustment isn’t arbitrary. The NFL is making room for its first-ever regular season game played in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. This international expansion necessitated bumping the traditional kickoff game to a Wednesday.

While Wednesday NFL games are rare – the last one occurred in 2012 due to the Democratic National Convention – this marks a significant step in the league’s efforts to broaden its global reach. The NFL has been strategically planting its flag internationally for years, and this Australian game is a major milestone.

A Repeat of Past Glory? Seahawks Aim for Back-to-Back Championships

Seattle hopes the Wednesday kickoff brings similar success to their previous appearance in the opening game, a dominant 36-16 win over the Green Bay Packers in 2014. The team is coming off a stellar 2025 season, finishing with a 17-3 record and securing the Lombardi Trophy with a 29-13 victory against the New England Patriots.

Key players returning for the Seahawks include quarterback Sam Darnold, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba recently signed a record-breaking four-year, $168.6 million contract extension, making him the league’s highest-paid wide receiver.

Who Will the Seahawks Face?

The Seahawks’ Week 1 opponent remains to be determined, but the potential contenders include the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, or New York Giants.

The Tradition of the Kickoff Game

The defending Super Bowl champion has traditionally opened the NFL season since 2002, with 2019 being the only exception. That year, a rivalry game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears launched the league’s 100th season.

FAQ

Why is the NFL season starting on a Wednesday?

To accommodate the league’s first regular season game in Australia.

Who could the Seahawks play in their opening game?

The Seahawks could face the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, or New York Giants.

How did the Seahawks perform in their last kickoff game?

They defeated the Green Bay Packers 36-16 in 2014.

Who is the Seahawks’ highest-paid player?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, after signing a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension.

Seek to stay up-to-date on all things NFL? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, analysis, and insights!