who broadcasts the super bowl 2026

Deyi Xiabing

4 min read

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14-03-2025

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The Super Bowl LVII Broadcast: A Look Ahead to 2026

The Super Bowl is more than just a football game; it's a cultural phenomenon, a spectacle watched by millions worldwide. The broadcasting rights for this behemoth of an event are fiercely contested, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the winning networks. While Super Bowl LVII in 2023 aired on Fox, the question on many minds as we look ahead is: who will broadcast Super Bowl LXII in 2026? The answer isn't as straightforward as one might think, requiring an understanding of the complex broadcast landscape and the cyclical nature of NFL broadcast agreements.

The Current Broadcast Landscape:

Currently, the NFL's broadcast rights are divided among a group of major networks, each holding rights for specific packages of games over a multi-year period. This isn't a one-year deal; these agreements typically span several years, ensuring stability and predictability for both the league and the broadcasters. The current agreements, which cover the 2023-2033 seasons, are a massive undertaking, involving billions of dollars and a complex arrangement of broadcast partners. This intricate network ensures that NFL games are available across various platforms, catering to a wide range of viewers.

Understanding the NFL's Broadcast Deals:

The NFL meticulously structures its broadcast deals to maximize revenue and reach. These deals aren't just about broadcasting the Super Bowl; they cover regular season games, playoff games, and other NFL-related programming. This integrated approach allows for a more holistic approach to content distribution and ensures a consistent revenue stream throughout the year. The deals are typically awarded through a bidding process, with networks competing fiercely for the rights to broadcast these highly sought-after events.

The Importance of Super Bowl Broadcasting Rights:

The Super Bowl is the crown jewel of the NFL's broadcasting assets. It consistently ranks as one of the most-watched television events globally, attracting a massive audience regardless of the teams playing. Securing the Super Bowl broadcast rights offers networks unparalleled advertising opportunities, generating enormous revenue from commercials that command exorbitant prices. Beyond the financial aspects, broadcasting the Super Bowl enhances a network's prestige and brand recognition, positioning it as a major player in the entertainment industry.

Predicting the 2026 Super Bowl Broadcaster:

To predict who will broadcast Super Bowl LXII in 2026, we need to examine the existing broadcast agreements. While specific details are proprietary and confidential, publicly available information reveals the participating networks and the duration of their agreements. Given the current agreements run until 2033, it is likely that one of the current broadcast partners will secure the rights for Super Bowl LXII. This means we need to look at the current partners and their potential to secure the coveted broadcast slot.

Potential Candidates for Super Bowl LXII (2026):

The primary contenders for Super Bowl LXII broadcast rights are likely to be among the current broadcast partners. These include networks such as:

• CBS: A long-standing partner of the NFL, CBS has a history of broadcasting Super Bowls and possesses significant resources and experience in handling large-scale televised events.
• NBC: Another major player in the NFL broadcast landscape, NBC's coverage consistently delivers high viewership figures, making them a strong contender for the Super Bowl rights.
• ESPN: ESPN's acquisition of Monday Night Football significantly strengthened their position within the NFL broadcasting world. Their extensive experience with sports broadcasting and broad reach across various platforms make them a viable option.
• Fox: While Fox recently aired Super Bowl LVII, their current agreements suggest they likely won't be in contention for the 2026 broadcast. The rotation of broadcast partners is a key factor in the NFL's strategy.
• Amazon Prime Video: While Amazon's entry into NFL broadcasting is relatively recent with Thursday Night Football, their significant financial resources and growing streaming platform could position them as a potential contender in the future. However, their current focus appears to be consolidating their Thursday Night Football presence before bidding for major events like the Super Bowl.

The Role of Bidding and Negotiations:

The ultimate decision will rest on a complex bidding process involving extensive negotiations between the NFL and the various networks. The value of the broadcast rights will be substantial, leading to intense competition among the potential bidders. Factors influencing the final decision will include the network's financial capacity, their proposed programming strategy, and their ability to reach a wide and diverse audience.

Beyond the Big Networks: Streaming Services and the Future:

While traditional networks remain the dominant players, the rise of streaming services adds another layer of complexity to the Super Bowl broadcasting equation. Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and others are increasingly investing in live sports rights, demonstrating their ambition to disrupt the established order. While securing the Super Bowl rights might be a long-term goal for these platforms, their presence adds a dynamic element to the competition, possibly pushing the bidding higher and further shaping the future of Super Bowl broadcasting.

Conclusion:

Determining the specific broadcaster for Super Bowl LXII in 2026 is currently speculative. The intricate nature of NFL broadcast rights, the multi-year agreements, and the highly competitive bidding process make precise prediction difficult. However, based on the current landscape, it’s highly probable that one of the existing major broadcast partners—CBS, NBC, or potentially ESPN—will secure the rights. The evolution of the streaming landscape will undoubtedly influence future negotiations, shaping the future of how we consume this iconic sporting event. The next few years will be crucial in observing the changing dynamics of the broadcast industry and their impact on the future allocation of Super Bowl broadcasting rights.