Key Highlights
- The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Chicago Bears on Black Friday in 2025.
- NFL’s decision to play games on Black Friday is linked to Amazon’s increased demand for broadcasting rights.
- The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 restricts NFL from playing games on Fridays and Saturdays until after high school and college seasons end.
- Eagles have played one Friday game since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, defeating the Packers in Brazil in 2024.
The NFL’s Decision to Play on Black Friday
Why are Eagles playing on Black Friday? The answer lies with Amazon Prime. According to CBS Sports, when Amazon got the rights to broadcast “Thursday Night Football,” it didn’t include Thanksgiving Day games, which already went to FOX, CBS, and NBC.
To fill this gap and coincide with its busiest shopping day of the year, Amazon came up with the idea of having a game on Black Friday. The first Black Friday NFL game was in 2023 when the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 34-13.
Historical Context
The NFL’s scheduling decision is not new; it has been influenced by legal and economic factors. A key law, the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, blocked the NFL from playing games on Friday and Saturday to protect attendance at high school and college football games. As a result, the league avoids scheduling games on Fridays and Saturdays until after the high school and college regular seasons end.
Eagles’ Recent Friday Game Experience
The Philadelphia Eagles have only played one game on a Friday since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. In September 6, 2024, they defeated the Packers, 34-29, in São Paulo, Brazil. This game highlights the unique challenges and logistics involved in scheduling games outside of traditional game days.
What You Need to Know
The Eagles will host the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field on Black Friday 2025. The game kicks off at 3 p.m., providing football fans with an exciting matchup during one of the busiest shopping periods in retail history. Fans interested in tickets should act quickly, as this rare opportunity to watch a big-game matchup on such an unconventional day is not something to be missed.
For more news and updates, check out our PLAY hub, which features puzzles, games, and the latest sports news. Keep up with the Philadelphia Eagles’ journey in the NFL season and stay informed about key dates and events that could impact their playoff chances.
