• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, April 1, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Approves Plan to Use Replacement Refs in 2026 if Talks Stall

League owners ratify a measure that would aid replacement referees.

NFL Seeks Buyers for 5 Games, Drops ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders

The league looks at several major changes to its upcoming broadcast schedule.
Jim Nantz

Jim Nantz Faces Backlash for Not Watching Bryson DeChambeau

The lead CBS announcer said he hasn’t tuned in to LIV Golf.
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin warms up for a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Five Things We’re Hearing About Mike Tomlin’s TV Free Agency

Bidding for the ex-Steelers coach could be over by “upfronts” season.

Featured Today

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
March 18, 2026

AI College Recruiting Reels Aren’t Fooling Scouts

College coaches and recruiters are way ahead of cheating athletes.
Canucks

Canucks Ban Reporter After Story on Ownership’s Other Business

Trevor Beggs says he was escorted from the arena mid-game.
Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; NBC Sports Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
March 30, 2026

PFF Lays Off Several Employees Amid Company Sale

Teamworks’ purchase of PFF’s enterprise business side is reportedly worth nine figures.
Jason Kelce ESPN
March 31, 2026

Jason Kelce to Cover Masters Par 3 Contest for ESPN

The ex-Eagles center has landed another golf gig.
Sponsored

Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer Talk Pressure, Benefit of Playing Together

The Boozer twins have built their games, and their identities, side by side.
March 30, 2026

Kevin Pelton Leaving ESPN for WNBA Front Office

Pelton previously worked as an analyst for the Pacers.
Mar 28, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view during a ABS challenge during the first inning of a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
opinion
March 30, 2026

MLB’s ABS System Makes for Great TV

Some of the weekend’s best drama came from the “robo umps.”
March 30, 2026

ESPN’s Jeff Passan Explains Why He Decided Not To Replace Woj

The ESPN insider says he’s now ‘pot-committed’ to baseball.
Nicolas Echavarria tees off on no. 16 during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on Friday, April 11, 2025.
March 30, 2026

Amazon Reveals Talent Lineup for Its Masters Debut

Prime Video will air first and second-round coverage for the first time.