what network has super bowl 2026

Deyi Xiabing

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13-03-2025

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What Network Has Super Bowl LVII? (And the Future of Super Bowl Broadcasts)

The question "What network has Super Bowl 2026?" is a bit premature, as we're still several years out from the event. However, understanding how Super Bowl broadcasting rights are awarded and the current landscape provides a strong indication of who will likely air Super Bowl LVII and beyond. This article will delve into the complex world of NFL broadcasting deals, focusing on the current contracts and predicting the network most likely to carry the Super Bowl in 2026.

The Current Broadcasting Landscape:

The NFL’s broadcasting rights are a highly lucrative and fiercely competitive market. The league’s massive popularity translates into exorbitant sums paid by networks for the privilege of airing games. These rights are typically bundled into multi-year agreements, dividing games across various networks. This strategic distribution maximizes viewership and revenue for both the league and the broadcasting partners.

Currently, the NFL's broadcasting rights are split between several major networks:

• CBS (ViacomCBS): Holds rights to the AFC (American Football Conference) games, including a portion of the Super Bowl broadcasts.
• FOX: Holds rights to the NFC (National Football Conference) games, including a portion of the Super Bowl broadcasts.
• NBC (Comcast): Holds rights to Sunday Night Football and a portion of the Super Bowl broadcasts.
• ESPN (Disney): A relatively recent addition, ESPN holds rights to Monday Night Football and a portion of the Super Bowl broadcasts.
• Amazon Prime Video: Broke new ground by securing exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. While not directly involved in Super Bowl broadcasts in the same way as the other networks, their entry signifies the evolving nature of sports broadcasting.

The Super Bowl Rotation:

The Super Bowl broadcast rights aren't simply assigned annually. Instead, they operate on a rotation system. This ensures that each major network has an opportunity to air the game, balancing the financial burden and maximizing potential audience reach. The rotation is a complex negotiation between the NFL and its broadcasting partners, and the specifics can vary slightly from cycle to cycle.

Historically, CBS and FOX have been the primary broadcasters of the Super Bowl, alternating each year. NBC and ESPN's involvement has added a layer of complexity to this traditional rotation, but the fundamental principle of rotating broadcasts remains.

Predicting the 2026 Super Bowl Network:

While a definitive answer to which network will air Super Bowl LVII in 2026 is impossible until the NFL officially announces its next broadcasting cycle agreements, we can make a strong prediction based on the current rotation and historical patterns.

Given the current rotation and the fact that the Super Bowl rotates between CBS and FOX, with NBC and ESPN holding rights to certain broadcasts, it's highly probable that either CBS or FOX will be the primary broadcaster for Super Bowl LVII in 2026. The exact network will depend on the specifics of the next round of broadcasting deals, which are typically negotiated several years in advance. The NFL is likely to favor networks that have demonstrated a strong commitment to broadcasting NFL games and a capacity to reach a wide audience.

Factors Influencing the Decision:

Several factors influence the NFL's decision regarding Super Bowl broadcasting rights:

• Financial Bids: The networks will naturally submit competitive bids for the rights, and the highest bidder often wins the rights. The sheer financial stakes involved are enormous.
• Network Performance: The NFL considers each network's performance in broadcasting regular-season games and its ability to deliver high viewership. Strong viewership translates into greater advertising revenue for the NFL.
• Technological Innovation: The NFL may favor networks that demonstrate innovative approaches to broadcasting, such as incorporating new technologies or enhanced viewing experiences.
• Audience Demographics: The NFL seeks networks that can reach diverse audiences, maximizing the potential reach of the Super Bowl broadcast.

Beyond the Big Game: The Future of NFL Broadcasting:

The NFL's broadcasting landscape is constantly evolving. The rise of streaming services like Amazon Prime Video has disrupted the traditional television model, and we can expect further changes in the future. The increasing demand for live sports content and the potential for even larger broadcasting contracts means that the competition amongst networks will only intensify. This could lead to even more innovative approaches to broadcasting and perhaps even more radical shifts in how the Super Bowl and other NFL games are distributed in the years to come. The inclusion of streaming platforms in future contracts is almost certain.

In conclusion, while the specific network broadcasting Super Bowl LVII in 2026 remains uncertain, either CBS or FOX are the most likely candidates, based on the current rotation system. However, the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry and the continuous emergence of new technologies mean we should anticipate further changes in how the NFL, and specifically the Super Bowl, is viewed in the future. The negotiation of new contracts leading up to 2026 will be crucial in determining the final broadcaster.