There are many different dates that could mark the beginning of football season, but one benchmark is perhaps the Madden release date.
This year, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley sports the cover of Madden NFL 26, capping off his historic season in 2024. Fans who are clamoring to get a first crack at playing this year's version of the video game can get early access days before the game officially releases to the public.
Here's what you need to know about Madden's early release date.
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Madden 26 release date
Madden 26 is set to release to the public on Thursday, August 14. However, some people can get early access to the game a week earlier.
MORE: Why Saquon Barkley was chosen as the Madden NFL 26 cover athlete
How to play Madden 26 early
EA Play free early trial
EA Play subscribers can play a 10-hour free trial of Madden NFL 26 beginning Thursday, August 7. An EA Play subscription costs $0.99 for the first month, then $5.99 every month after, or $39.99 a year.
MORE: Here are the best Madden 26 rookie ratings
Pre-order early access
EA Sports is offering some fans early access to Madden NFL 26 beginning Thursday, August 7, a full week before the game's release date. This offer comes as part of Madden's Deluxe Edition, which comes with a variety of features besides getting to play ahead of time.
Other features that are part of the Deluxe Edition includes:
- 4,600 Madden Points
- Early Access to Solo Challenges
- Player Card Exclusive Item
The Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition is on sale for $99.99, which is just $30 more than the Standard Edition's price of $69.99.
MORE: Updated look at the Madden 26 player ratings
EA Sports MVP Bundle
Additionally, anyone who ordered the MVP Bundle can also access Madden NFL 26 a week earlier. The MVP Bundle comes with a combination of the Madden NFL 26 Deluxe Edition and the College Football 26 Deluxe Edition, and it includes exclusive features like.
- Bundle Exclusive MUT Elite Player Item
- Bundle Exclusive CUT Elite Player Item
- Ultimate Team Hall of Fame Player Item
- Season 1 Elite Player Item
- Top Prospect Ultimate Team Pack
- Fresh Faces Ultimate Team Pack
- All Hands Ultimate Team Pack
- Dynasty Coach Points
- Road to Glory Skill Points
The EA Sports MVP Bundle is on sale for $149.99.