Sunday, November 15, 2026

Would the NFL Ever Put Super Bowl On Pay-Per-View? Harris Poll Survey Says: Bad Idea

  • Only 28% of NFL fans said they would be very likely to purchase a PPV Super Bowl.
  • Almost 70% of NFL fans would try to watch a PPV Super Bowl without paying.
Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The entrance to the locker room exhibit at the NFL Experience at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The NFL is embracing streaming—both complementary and exclusive live broadcasts—more than ever before. This year, the AFC champion Chiefs’ playoff run started with a win over the Dolphins that was only available on Peacock, and 23 million viewers tuned in.

More streaming is no doubt on the way, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week that a streaming Super Bowl won’t happen under his watch. If the league were to one day take things to the extreme, though, and make the Super Bowl a pay-per-view event, the impact could be drastically negative, according to the results of a new exclusive Front Office Sports-Harris Poll. 

Seven in 10 self-described NFL fans (68%) said they would try to find a way to watch the game without paying (watching with someone they know or finding an illegal stream) if the Super Bowl went to PPV. Only 28% of NFL fans said they would be very likely to purchase a PPV Super Bowl, and just 10% of non-NFL fans said they would even be somewhat likely to do so.

When it comes to pricing, here’s how things shake out among fans willing to pay a one-time fee for the Super Bowl:

  • 11% would spend between $65 and $84.99.
  • 29% would pay between $35 and $64.99.
  • 31% would be only willing to fork over less than $15.

Given those data points, it shouldn’t be surprising that three-quarters (76%) of U.S. adults who are at least somewhat likely to purchase a PPV Super Bowl said they would try to split the cost by inviting other people to watch the game with them. Similarly, 70% of U.S. adults who are at least somewhat likely to buy a PPV Super Bowl said they would be more likely to watch the game somewhere besides their home (bar/restaurant or residence of someone they know).

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from February 2, 2024 to February 5, 2024 among 1,079 U.S. adults, ages 18+.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College Football Teams Caught Up in Nationwide Flight Stoppage

Three Big Ten teams are still trying to travel to game sites.

Sports World Swoops In on Sam Hartman’s ‘Bachelor’ Season

The Commanders’ practice squad quarterback will star in the show’s 30th season.
Exclusive

Dianna Russini Will Seek Credential for Super Bowl Radio Row

Some NFL teams cite her association with BetUS as an issue.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/13/26 – NFL Ratings Records, Softball Players Unionize, Skubal Deal Looms

0:00

Featured Today

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Brentford - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - October 10, 2026 Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara applauds fans after the match

English Soccer Still Inundated by Gambling Ads Despite Jersey Ban

The ban on front-of-shirt gambling ads looks strict, but it’s largely cosmetic.
West Wind Mahjong
November 11, 2026

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
November 12, 2026

NFL Viewership Climbs As ESPN, Amazon Deliver Double-Digit Gains

ESPN and Amazon have generated significant audience increases.
Exclusive
November 12, 2026

NBA Doubles Down on Kenny Beecham, Enjoy Basketball

Enjoy Basketball previously had a three-episode pilot deal with the league.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
November 11, 2026

Mike Tomlin Knows Coaching Talk Is ‘Going to Come Up’ Soon

The ex-Steelers coach is “enjoying” his NBC Sports role.
Dianna Russini BetUS
November 11, 2026

Russini’s Return Hits 45-Minute Delay, Sidesteps Vrabel Scandal

Russini did joke about memes that have been made about her.
Nov 8, 2026; Madrid, ESP; A general overall view of the 2026 NFL Madrid Game at an empty Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
November 11, 2026

NFL Network’s Europe Games Average a Record 6.9M in First ESPN Season

NFL Network games this season also stream on the ESPN app.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on the field prior to the start of a week 6 NFL football game between New York Giants and New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Exclusive
November 11, 2026

Drew Brees Wants to Succeed Troy Aikman on Monday Night Football

Greg Olsen and Tony Romo are other potential candidates.