Sunday, July 26, 2026

Super Bowl LVIII Scores Big With International Viewers

  • Global audiences for the game grew 10% from last year.
  • It’s a promising data point as the league expands globally, with its first game in Brazil coming up.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL released its international Super Bowl audience numbers Wednesday, revealing a 10% increase in viewership from last year’s game.

According to the league, 62.5 million viewers watched the Chiefs’ overtime victory over the 49ers, which also marked the game’s biggest U.S. audience with 202.4 million cumulative viewers. Per the league, total audience numbers hit 24.1 million in Mexico, 18.8 million in Canada, 3.8 million in Germany, 3.7 million in the United Kingdom, and nearly 3 million in Australia. Average viewership went up between 5% and 26% compared to last year in those countries. Meanwhile, China clocked its most-watched Super Bowl in seven years.

The growing audiences in Germany and the U.K.—which averaged 1.9 million and 1.2 million viewers, respectively, a 13% and 18% jump from last year—were particularly impressive given that kickoff took place after midnight in Germany (and only an hour earlier in London) and that the game stretched to nearly two overtimes.

That growth is an encouraging metric for the league as it continues to expand its international reach. The NFL held five international games in 2023, with three in London and two in first-time host Frankfurt, Germany. Among the five international contests next season: South America will get its first NFL game when the Eagles start their season in Sāo Paulo, Brazil, on the Friday of kickoff weekend. 

In addition to viewership, the league also shared that NFL social media channels saw significant increases in follower count and engagement across all international markets.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Will Tackle Officiating Woes With New Replay Center

The WNBA will use the NBA’s replay center facility in New Jersey.

Engelbert Dodges Question on Her Future as Commissioner

The WNBA commissioner has been under pressure over multiple perceived scandals.

Michigan AD Warde Manuel to Get $7M Buyout

Manuel will step down at the end of 2026.

How 6 World Cup Games Turned One Man Into a Philadelphia Legend

Jimmy King gave the inside look into Philadelphia’s World Cup.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/24/26 – Mark Cuban Buys Into A’s, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham’s Meteoric Rise

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Feb 7, 2019; Spokane, WA, USA; ESPN personality Neil Everett looks on during a game between the San Francisco Dons and Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 92-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
July 24, 2026

Is This the Cruel New Reality of Sports Media Layoffs?

Layoffs in Portland and Bristol this week were especially cold-blooded.
CBS sportscaster and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo chats with the media Tuesday, June 27, 2023 during the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois Championship & Pro-Am at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
July 24, 2026

Tony Romo Arrested for OWI in Milwaukee

The CBS NFL analyst is due in court on Sept. 21.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Miami Beach, FL - January 31, 2020 - Miami Beach Convention Center: Mike Golic Jr (l), Mike Golic Sr, Trey Wingo and Drew Brees on the set of Golic and Wingo during Super Bowl LIV week. (Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN Images)
July 24, 2026

What The Golics Hope to Accomplish in ESPN Return

“The Golics” will debut on Aug. 3.
Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) shoots the ball Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Siena Saints at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
July 24, 2026

Duke–Michigan Amazon Showcase Canceled Over TV Rights Dispute

The Big Ten had disputed that the ACC possessed the game’s rights.
Jul 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 23, 2026

USA Today Updates Caitlin Clark Column After Backlash

Armour’s column was “clearly labeled as Opinion,” USA Today tells FOS.
July 23, 2026

Peacock Turns Profit 6 Years After Launch—With World Cup Bump

The streaming service reached a long-awaited “milestone.”