Tuesday, June 2, 2026

NBC Super Bowl Ads Hit Record $6.5M

  • NBC has already sold out nearly all of its Super Bowl ad inventory, with some 30-second spots costing $6.5 million.
  • Fox has begun selling ads for the 2023 Super Bowl.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Tonight marks the first NFL game of the 2021 season, but NBC is almost out of Super Bowl ad space.

The network has sold all but the last few 30-second slots, with some reaching a record $6.5 million for the Feb. 13 game. The price rose as inventory slimmed: By July, NBC had sold 85% of its Super Bowl ad slots for around $6 million a piece. 

  • NBC’s peak ad price is 18% above the roughly $5.5 million CBS garnered for the 2021 game. Some major advertisers sat out that contest due to concerns related to the pandemic.
  • The network is also selling ad inventory for the 2022 Olympics, also in February, with some Super Bowl ad buyers making matching commitments for the Winter Games.
  • Fox has begun selling ad inventory for the 2023 Super Bowl, seeking $6.5 million per 30-second spot.

Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, saw the Tokyo Olympics drive its subscriber count from 42 million in April to 54 million in July.

Automobiles, beverages, and entertainment producers including streaming services were the top three categories among Super Bowl ad buyers, per Deadline. 

Super Bowl LVI will be held at SoFi Stadium, home to both Los Angeles NFL teams.

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

Jason McIntyre

How FS1’s Jason McIntyre Became a Liga MX Minority Owner

“Half the battle in work and in life is justifying your existence.”

Myles Garrett Trade Makes All-In Rams an Even Bigger TV Draw

The Super Bowl LXI favorite goes even more all-in.

Fox’s USMNT World Cup Roster Reveal Spoiled by Leaks

Tuesday was supposed to be a marquee World Cup kickoff for Fox.

Fox Banking on Expanded World Cup Being Its ‘Biggest’ Event Ever

The network has loaded up with outside talent from NBC and CBS.

Featured Today

Frances Cabral-Delaney

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field
May 28, 2026

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
May 26, 2026

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
Lee Corso puts on the Brutus helmet as he makes his final pick between Kirk Herbstreit and Pat McAfee prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
exclusive

Pat McAfee in Early Extension Talks With ESPN

McAfee’s current five-year deal with ESPN isn’t up until 2028.
Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
exclusive
June 1, 2026

Russell Wilson Expected to Join CBS NFL Studio

Wilson’s NFL career included 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship.
June 1, 2026

NHL Ratings Near Record Levels—and Now All-U.S. Stanley Cup Final Is Here

An all-U.S. matchup and broadcast TV exposure will likely expand the viewership.
Sponsored

Landon Donovan: What Soccer in America Still Needs

Landon Donovan discusses the evolution of soccer in America, and investing in NWSL.
June 1, 2026

Skip Bayless Falls for False Report About Caitlin Clark, Stephanie White

It was a rare WNBA tweet from Bayless.
Aug 17, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; A general view shows Sports Illustrated Stadium and Gotham FC logos before the game between Gotham FC and the Houston Dash.
exclusive
May 29, 2026

Several Longtime Writers Laid Off at Sports Illustrated

Writers Greg Bishop and Michael Rosenberg were laid off in a round of cuts on Friday.
WWE AAA
May 29, 2026

Why WWE Is Airing One of Its Most Anticipated Shows on YouTube

The mask vs. mask match won’t be hard to find.
Oxford, MS - November 4, 2023 - The Grove: Wright Thompson on the set of Marty & McGee.
May 28, 2026

Wright Thompson Bullish on Literary Sportswriting ‘Renaissance’

The ESPN senior writer also explained why he left X/Twitter.