Saturday, May 2, 2026

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

John Fanta

NBC Bets on a Bigger Kentucky Derby Weekend

The Oaks moved to primetime, and Fanta will report from the infield.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network Dark on Comcast in First Carriage Dispute Under ESPN

The dispute does not involve Disney or ESPN’s other channels.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
April 29, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6 million viewers.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.
WWE NXT
exclusive
April 28, 2026

WWE Moving 20 NXT Premium Live Events to The CW

The deal includes 20 events over the next several years.