what channel is the super bowl 2026

Deyi Xiabing

3 min read

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14-03-2025

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What Channel is Super Bowl LVII in 2026? The Great Unknown, and How to Find Out

The Super Bowl is the biggest single sporting event in the United States, a cultural phenomenon that draws in tens of millions of viewers year after year. Naturally, the question "What channel is the Super Bowl on?" is a frequently asked one, especially as the big game approaches. But when it comes to Super Bowl LVII in 2026, the answer isn't straightforward. Unlike the immediate future where broadcast details are readily available, predicting the network for a Super Bowl several years out requires understanding the complex interplay of broadcast rights, contracts, and the ever-evolving media landscape.

The Current Broadcast Landscape: A Shifting Sandscape

Currently, the NFL’s broadcasting rights are spread across multiple networks, creating a complex mosaic of who shows what games and when. This isn't a simple, one-network deal. Instead, it's a carefully negotiated arrangement involving:

• CBS (and its streaming service, Paramount+): CBS holds rights to broadcast a certain number of regular-season games and, importantly, rotates the broadcast rights to the Super Bowl every year among several networks.
• NBC (and its streaming service, Peacock): NBC also holds a significant chunk of the regular-season broadcasting rights and is part of the Super Bowl rotation.
• FOX (and its streaming service, Fox Sports): Similar to CBS and NBC, FOX holds regular season rights and is part of the Super Bowl rotation.
• ESPN (and its streaming service, ESPN+): ESPN, a powerhouse in sports broadcasting, also has a significant stake in the NFL's broadcasting rights, particularly for Monday Night Football and other special events. Its role in Super Bowl broadcasting is less direct.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon, a newcomer to the NFL broadcasting scene, holds exclusive rights to broadcast Thursday Night Football, significantly changing the landscape. This highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of the NFL broadcasting world.

Predicting the 2026 Super Bowl Network: An Exercise in Speculation

Given the cyclical nature of the Super Bowl broadcast rights, we can make an educated guess about the 2026 broadcast network. The NFL typically rotates the Super Bowl broadcasting rights among CBS, NBC, and FOX. While past rotations haven’t always followed a strict pattern, considering the current cycle, we can look at recent history:

• Super Bowl LVII (2023): FOX
• Super Bowl LVIII (2024): NBC
• Super Bowl LIX (2025): CBS

Following this rotation, the most likely candidate to broadcast Super Bowl LX (2026) would be FOX. However, this is pure speculation based on past patterns. The NFL might choose to alter the rotation, introduce new streaming-only options, or even sell the broadcast rights in a completely new way.

Factors That Could Alter the Prediction:

Several factors could disrupt the predicted rotation and change the network broadcasting Super Bowl LX:

• Renegotiated Contracts: The NFL's broadcast deals are renegotiated periodically. A significant shift in the landscape could alter the assigned network.
• Streaming Wars: The rise of streaming services is significantly changing the television industry. A network might prioritize its streaming platform over traditional television broadcasts, altering broadcast assignments. It’s even possible the Super Bowl could become a streaming-exclusive event, though this seems unlikely in the near future given the massive viewership.
• Unexpected Circumstances: Unforeseeable events, such as a merger or acquisition of a major network, could completely alter the landscape.

How to Find Out Definitively in the Future:

The best way to know for certain which network will broadcast the Super Bowl LX in 2026 is to wait for the official announcement from the NFL. This usually happens well in advance of the game, allowing ample time for fans to prepare. Here are some reliable sources for this information:

• Official NFL Website: The NFL's official website is the most reliable source for all things NFL, including broadcast information.
• Major Network Websites: Check the websites of CBS, NBC, and FOX closer to 2026 for announcements regarding their broadcast schedules.
• Sports News Websites and Outlets: Reputable sports news websites and outlets (like ESPN, CBS Sports, etc.) will report on the announcement as soon as it's made.

Beyond the Main Broadcast: Alternative Viewing Options

Regardless of the primary broadcast network, other viewing options are likely to be available:

• Streaming Services: The networks broadcasting the game will almost certainly offer streaming options through their respective services (Paramount+, Peacock, Fox Sports, etc.).
• Cable and Satellite Providers: Cable and satellite providers offering the chosen network will obviously broadcast the game.
• Bars and Restaurants: Many establishments will show the Super Bowl, regardless of their usual programming.

Conclusion: Patience and Reliable Sources are Key

While we can speculate based on past trends, definitively answering the question of which channel will broadcast Super Bowl LX in 2026 requires patience and reliance on official announcements. The ever-changing media landscape makes predictions unreliable in the long term. Keep an eye on the official NFL sources and major sports news outlets as the 2026 Super Bowl approaches to get the definitive answer. Until then, enjoy the game’s anticipation and the ongoing evolution of how we experience this colossal event.