Monday, May 25, 2026

Super Bowl LVIII Scores Big With International Viewers

  • Global audiences for the game grew 10% from last year.
  • It’s a promising data point as the league expands globally, with its first game in Brazil coming up.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL released its international Super Bowl audience numbers Wednesday, revealing a 10% increase in viewership from last year’s game.

According to the league, 62.5 million viewers watched the Chiefs’ overtime victory over the 49ers, which also marked the game’s biggest U.S. audience with 202.4 million cumulative viewers. Per the league, total audience numbers hit 24.1 million in Mexico, 18.8 million in Canada, 3.8 million in Germany, 3.7 million in the United Kingdom, and nearly 3 million in Australia. Average viewership went up between 5% and 26% compared to last year in those countries. Meanwhile, China clocked its most-watched Super Bowl in seven years.

The growing audiences in Germany and the U.K.—which averaged 1.9 million and 1.2 million viewers, respectively, a 13% and 18% jump from last year—were particularly impressive given that kickoff took place after midnight in Germany (and only an hour earlier in London) and that the game stretched to nearly two overtimes.

That growth is an encouraging metric for the league as it continues to expand its international reach. The NFL held five international games in 2023, with three in London and two in first-time host Frankfurt, Germany. Among the five international contests next season: South America will get its first NFL game when the Eagles start their season in Sāo Paulo, Brazil, on the Friday of kickoff weekend. 

In addition to viewership, the league also shared that NFL social media channels saw significant increases in follower count and engagement across all international markets.

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

May 25, 2026; Paris, France; Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at a change of ends with ice and an ice towel during her first round match against Anna Bondar of Hungary on day two at Stade Roland Garros.

French Open Heat Wave Expected to Continue for Rest of Week

Forecasts for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are heating up.

Sportradar Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Gambling Ties

The suit alleges investors were harmed by shady overseas business conduct.

Felix Rosenqvist Wins Wild Indy 500 After Record 70 Lead Changes

There were 14 different leaders at various points in the race.

Padres Star Tatis on Hook for Millions After Legal Setback

A judge ruled the Padres star cannot void an arbitrator’s ruling.

Featured Today

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
May 14, 2026

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 21, 2026

CBS, TNT Sports Parents Face New Merger Scrutiny by Lawmakers

A group of six U.S. senators raises concerns about the proposed megadeal.
May 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ronda Rousey (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Gina Carano (red gloves) after a women's featherweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026

How Jake Paul’s MVP Plans to Build on Netflix MMA Debut

Saturday’s debut averaged 12.4 million viewers on Netflix.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 20, 2026

NHL Playoffs Deliver Record Second-Round Ratings for ESPN, TNT

The Canadiens-Sabres series brought additional audience milestones.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
May 20, 2026

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive
May 20, 2026

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
May 19, 2026

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.