Friday, April 10, 2026

Super Bowl LIX Sets Yet Another TV Ratings Record

There were a record 182.8 million unique viewers who watched at least one minute of Super Bowl LIX on Fox and other platforms, according to the latest Nielsen measurements.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Super Bowl LIX keeps setting TV ratings records, even more than a week after the Eagles denied the Chiefs the NFL’s first Super Bowl three-peat with a resounding 40–22 victory.

A record 182.8 million unique viewers watched at least one minute of the Super Bowl on Fox and other platforms, according to the latest Nielsen measurements released Tuesday. Last year, Super Bowl LVIII had a comparable reach of 182.2 million unique viewers for Kansas City’s 25–22 overtime win against the 49ers.

That new mark arrives after the full-game viewership average produced a record audience of 127.7 million, up from 123.7 million viewers last year—at the time a record of its own.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance garnered a record 133.5 million viewers, the largest halftime audience ever recorded.

Spread the Wealth

While Fox was where the vast majority of viewers tuned into Philadelphia’s dominant performance, the addition of new broadcast avenues and refined measurement techniques significantly contributed to the record numbers.

Tubi, the Fox-owned streaming service, averaged 13.6 million Super Bowl LIX viewers, part of an overall digital audience of 14.5 million that was also available on the Fox Sports app and NFL+.

There were also two Spanish-language telecasts, after Fox cut a deal with Telemundo to produce its own feed, in addition to the Fox Deportes broadcast.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

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
exclusive

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders

Top Sports Attorneys Command $10M Salaries Amid Poaching Frenzy

“The transfer portal is open for sports lawyers.”

NFL Faces DOJ Investigation With Media-Rights Battle Heating Up

Washington’s growing scrutiny of the league is deeply layered.

NFL Targets OTAs, Minicamps for Replacement Refs Rollout

The league takes further steps to prepare a group of alternates.

Featured Today

Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during practice for the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Holly Rowe Talks WNBA Draft, Auriemma-Staley Dustup

The ESPN reporter addressed a variety of women’s basketball topics.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 8, 2026

Men’s March Madness Title Game Draws 18.3M Viewers, Up 23%

Michigan’s title win completes an emphatic run of audience increases.
Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former WNBA player Sue Bird arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 8, 2026

Sue Bird Expected to Join NBC/Peacock WNBA Coverage

Bird previously hosted Final Four alt-casts for ESPN with Diana Taurasi.
April 8, 2026

Women’s Title Game Draws 9.9M Viewers, Third-Highest Since 1989

Last year’s title game drew 8.5 million viewers.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 7, 2026

Mike Vrabel: Photos With Dianna Russini Are ‘Completely Innocent’

A social media post with the photos attracted two million views.