Overview
- The NFL confirmed it is exploring a Wednesday, Nov. 25 game this season, with no matchup, broadcaster or final commitment announced yet.
- Thanksgiving week delivered huge viewership last year, including a 44.7 million average across the three Thanksgiving games, a 57.2 million late‑afternoon record, and 16.3 million for Black Friday on Prime Video.
- A Wednesday game would be highly unusual and would likely require both teams to come off byes because November Saturday games are not permitted and midweek rest is limited.
- The league has four unassigned game windows reclaimed in its ESPN/Disney deal, creating inventory that could be sold as a standalone Thanksgiving Eve slot.
- A decision is expected before the regular‑season schedule release in May, with owners and networks set to discuss the option at league meetings in Phoenix; streamers and broadcasters are expected to bid, with some reports speculating YouTube could pursue the slot.