Saturday, April 25, 2026
FOS Expands to TV More Details

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

Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Fernando Mendoza Will Arrive in Unique Raiders Situation

The top pick enters the league with high intrigue and higher expectations.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson is selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the number 13 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams’ Surprise Ty Simpson Selection Raises Questions

The Rams already have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the number three pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.

With Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals Reset RB Pay Structure

The No. 3 pick has more guaranteed money than any other running back.

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.
Nick Wright

Nick Wright Sounds Off on Off-Air Beefs, On-Air Chemistry

First Things First was recently nominated for its first Emmy.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
opinion
April 23, 2026

From Denials to Damage Control: Hubris Haunts Vrabel and Russini

New photos from 2020 show Vrabel and Russini appearing to kiss.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
April 23, 2026

NFL Draft’s Shorter Clock Delivers Faster, Tighter First Round

The league shaves more than a half-hour from the first round.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 23, 2026

New Photos of Vrabel, Russini at NYC Bar Leak Hours Before Draft

The photos were taken at a New York City bar in 2020.
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to a call by an official during the second half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
April 23, 2026

NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Is Second-Most-Watched Since 2011

The opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs averaged 4.3 million viewers.
Zaslav
April 23, 2026

WBD Shareholders Approve Sale, Reject Pay Package for Zaslav

The combined company would have one of the largest sets of sports rights in the industry.
exclusive
April 23, 2026

NWSL’s Midge Purce Says Her New Podcast Is ‘Not Chit-Chatting’

Purce is launching a new twice-monthly podcast with Vox Media.