Friday, October 16, 2026

NFL Is Back, and Super Bowl Ads Already Selling at Record Prices

  • Fox has sold 30-second Super Bowl commercials for a record price.
  • The network has nearly sold all of its available spots.
Fox-Super-Bowl
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The NFL season kicks off tonight in Los Angeles — and it’s already creating buzz around February’s Super Bowl.

Fox Sports has sold 30-second Super Bowl commercials for more than $7 million each — a record for the big game — and has sold “north of 95%” of available inventory, according to Mark Evans, head of ad sales at the network.

Evans said the prices are rising partially due to other shows and events moving to commercial-free streaming services, leaving companies with fewer places to advertise. But the Super Bowl can guarantee brands some exposure.

  • The 2022 Super Bowl generated approximately $434.5 million in ad spending.
  • Companies received an estimated $170 million worth of “in-game exposure,” according to a report by Hive and Elevate.
  • Super Bowl LVI had an estimated total viewing audience of more than 208 million, averaging 99.2 million viewers on NBC.

Fox last broadcast the Super Bowl in 2020 and sold out of inventory by November 2019. Fox is reportedly on pace with NBC’s sales last year.

NFL’s Super Switch

Some of the Super Bowl’s biggest advertisers are shrinking their footprints on the game. 

Pepsi will no longer serve as the presenting partner for the Super Bowl halftime show as it looks to transition more of its media spend toward digital audiences.

Anheuser-Busch did not renew its exclusivity deal for Super Bowl LVII, clearing the way for other alcohol brands to advertise during the game. Shortly after the June announcement, Molson Coors purchased its first spot in more than 30 years.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Reinstates Josh Jacobs, Jonathon Cooper From Paid Leave

Each player missed six games while on the commissioner-exempt list.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.

Jags Eye First London Sweep As U.K. Future Remains Uncertain

The Jaguars host the Texans after beating the Eagles.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.