ESPN launches biggest NFL season from Melbourne to Super Bowl LXI – Australian and New Zealand viewers will receive ESPN’s most extensive NFL coverage yet.
The season includes at least six live games each week, NFL RedZone, every playoff game and Super Bowl LXI. Coverage will be available through ESPN’s local distribution partners, including Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky New Zealand.
The expanded schedule reflects the NFL’s growing local profile. In particular, the league’s first regular-season game in Australia makes Melbourne the natural starting point for a season that ends with ESPN’s first Super Bowl production.
NFL Melbourne comes to the MCG
The regular season begins on Thursday, 10 September, when the Seattle Seahawks meet the New England Patriots. The game is live on ESPN from 10.20am AEST.
Then, on Friday, 11 September, the Los Angeles Rams face the San Francisco 49ers at the MCG. ESPN and Disney+ begin coverage at 9am AEST, before the 10.35am kickoff.
Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will call the game. Phil Murphy, Lindsey Thiry, Maurice Jones-Drew and Kelsey Browne will provide reports and analysis. The Jonas Brothers will perform at half-time.
ESPN will also screen the docuseries It All Starts In Melbourne. It follows the Rams as coach Sean McVay and his players prepare for the historic trip.
RedZone, replays and Super Bowl LXI
NFL RedZone will deliver seven hours of live action on Mondays, exclusively through Disney+. Fans can also watch NFL Minis, replays, highlights, NFL Blitz and NFL Afters.
Another local production, Off The Line with Jordan Mailata, adds an Australian voice to the weekly coverage.
The season concludes with Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles in February 2027. It will be the first Super Bowl produced by Disney and ESPN.
Visit ESPN Australia’s NFL hub, and read more ESPN news on TV Central.
