Thursday, September 24, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

NBC Seeking Record Amount for Super Bowl Spots

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

The price tag for ad space in next year’s Super Bowl will be bigger than it’s ever been. 

NBC is reportedly asking $6 million for a 30-second commercial spot and might require sponsors to buy an equal amount of advertising in the Beijing Winter Olympics to guarantee a prominent time slot in the big game.

Comcast’s NBC also has broadcasting rights to the Tokyo Olympics next month.

Last year, CBS asked for $5.5 million per spot. The broadcaster generated roughly $545 million in in-game advertising for a total of 57 minutes, including promos and national and local spots, according to Kantar.

The 9.1% hike comes even as the NFL’s ratings decreased last season.

  • This year’s Super Bowl between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs recorded only 96.4 million viewers — the lowest since 2007.
  • According to Nielsen, numbers for the regular season dropped 7% to 15.4 million viewers either live or on the same day of the broadcast — the lowest average since 2017.

Overall viewership of the NFL has declined in five of the past six years, but the league still generates more annual revenue than any other major league in North America, bringing in $15.26 billion in 2019.

NBC recently signed a 10-year deal with the NFL in which it’ll pay $2 billion annually for media rights. The network will retain its “Sunday Night Football” package and holds broadcasting rights to the 2026, 2030, and 2034 Super Bowls.

Super Bowl LVI takes place on Feb. 13, 2022.

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

Exclusive

Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris Can Play in UFL This Spring

The pair have been blocked from college football and the NFL.
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) leaps to avoid a tackle by Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) while running with the ball during the second half at AT&T Stadium.

NFL Viewership Bounces Back in Week 2

Last Sunday’s NFL games each showed sizable viewership increases.

Injuries to Dart, Daniels Have Giants and Commanders Reeling

Other injured NFL quarterbacks will be back sooner.
First at FOS

NFL Has ‘Full Confidence’ Brazil Field Will Be Ready by Sunday

The Cowboys play the Ravens on Sunday in Rio.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/23/26 – NFL QB Injuries Pile Up, Seahawks’ Scouting Cold War, Aikman’s Contract Limbo

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
Exclusive

Linda Cohn Brings Podcast to Bleav

Cohn’s podcast has reached 36,000 subscribers in just over two months.
Cynthia Frelund NFL Network
September 23, 2026

Bees and Mac and Cheese: Inside Cynthia Frelund’s Eclectic Investments

Football isn’t the subject where Frelund uses her experience with data.
Mar 3, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sportscaster Bob Costas before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
September 23, 2026

Bob Costas Praises Pablo Torre’s ‘First-Rate’ Sports Journalism

Meanwhile, Costas bemoaned the demise of his former employer, HBO Sports.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Inglewood, CA - September 21, 2026 - SoFi Stadium: Stephen A. Smith on the field for Monday Night Countdown.
First at FOS
September 22, 2026

Stephen A. Smith Set for Multiple MNF ‘Countdown’ Appearances

Smith made his 2026 debut ahead of Rams-Giants on Monday.
September 21, 2026

‘Team Moms: Baseball’ Cast Hits Back at Critics

A new reality show puts youth baseball front and center.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
September 21, 2026

Amazon’s TNF Opener Averages 18.6 Million Viewers, Up 5%

The streamer had a strong beginning to its 2026 schedule.
David Ellison Paramount
September 21, 2026

Paramount Settles Antitrust Suit, Clearing Path for WBD Deal

The deal would have significant implications for the companies’ sports portfolios.