Channel Seven is set to launch coverage of its 12th and biggest NFL season with the 2025/26 opener on Friday morning (September 5).
Fans can catch the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys live and free at 10am on 7mate and 7plus.
Seven will also debut a revamped version of its weekly NFL program, now called “NFL Tailgate,” hosted by Ben Graham — the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl — alongside resident NFL expert Cam Luke.
The show will tackle the season’s key storylines and burning questions each week, with Graham predicting the year ahead is “going to be massive.”
“I’m expecting the closest season in decades,” he said. “Has the Chiefs’ dynasty ended? Will the 49ers bounce back? Will Micah Parsons be the difference? So many questions, but all will be revealed over the coming months on the road to Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco.”
The sport continues to build its fanbase in Australia, boosted by the growing number of local players making NFL rosters, including Philadelphia offensive linemen Jordan Mailata and Luke Felix-Fualalo.
“Keep an eye on the best punter in the NFL, Michael Dickson of the Seahawks, and of course Super Bowl-winning offensive tackle Jordan Mailata,” Graham added. “Strap yourselves in, NFL fans — this season is going to be wild.”
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Seven’s NFL coverage saw a 6% boost in viewership last year, reaching 4.7 million Australians, with Super Bowl LIX between Philadelphia and Kansas City drawing more than 2.6 million viewers on Seven and 7plus.
The surge in interest has prompted the NFL to schedule its first-ever game on Australian soil next season. The match will be played at the MCG in September and feature the Los Angeles Rams.
It has also led to expanded coverage of the sport this season, with Thursday night match and two Sunday afternoon games airing live in Australia on Friday and Monday mornings, respectively.
Seven’s Commercial Director of Sport, Renee Quirk, said the network is “thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with the NFL to broadcast the most popular sport in the US to passionate Australians.”
“With the addition of the Kickoff Game and Thursday Night Football to this landmark deal, Australians will be treated to live and free NFL action on a Friday morning, which is an incredible result for both the growth of the sport in Australia and for Aussie viewers,” she said.