Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Survey: Super Bowl Viewership Even Higher Than Reported

  • An estimated 200 million people — or roughly 60% of the U.S. population — watched.
  • The average minute audience increased 20% to about 136 million viewers.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII.
Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII was watched by an average audience of 113 million people, making it the third-most-watched Big Game since the data has been tracked.

That number is the official game viewership — but according to a new survey from Nielsen commissioned by the NFL, it was likely even bigger.

The survey, which took into account the size of viewing groups, found that the average minute audience was about 136 million — marking a 20% increase from the initially reported numbers.

The survey also estimates that approximately 200 million people — or roughly 60% of the entire United States population — tuned in for at least a minute of this year’s Super Bowl.

Soon after the festivities, the league reported that 182.6 million watched, meaning these updated numbers represent a 9% increase.

The final round of the Phoenix Open drew impressive ratings.

How Did Other Sports Broadcasts Fare On Super Bowl Sunday?

It was a good day for sports broadcasting on Super Bowl Sunday.
February 15, 2023

“The Super Bowl is singular across the television and media landscape not only in its unparalleled viewership, but because it is largely watched in group settings,” the NFL’s chief data and analytics officer Paul Ballew said in a statement. “With that in mind, additional measurement is needed in order to have a complete picture of the total viewership of this special event and the results of this custom survey with Nielsen illustrate the true magnitude of the Super Bowl.”

“We recognize the uniqueness of this media event around group viewing parties and this additional custom survey helps supplement our audience measurement,” Nielsen’s global sports managing director Jon Stainer added in the press release.

The NFL will look to attain record viewership when its biggest moment takes the stage in Las Vegas next year.

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

CFP Expansion Raises Big Questions for Group of 6 Conferences

The highest-ranked G6 conference champion will earn an automatic CFP berth each year.

Vikings Reunite With Cousins As Raiders Begin Mendoza Era

Minnesota sent Las Vegas a third-round pick for Cousins.
Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; College Football First Round logo on field prior to the game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Ripple Effects of a 24-Team College Football Playoff

The CFP officially announced plans to expand in 2027.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/10/26 – NFL Trade Deadline Day, Russini Speaks, CFP Doubles to 24

0:00

Featured Today

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit:

10 Burning Questions About Dianna Russini’s Sports-Media Comeback

Plenty of questions remain ahead of Russini’s upcoming return.
November 9, 2026

Dianna Russini Announces New Show With Offshore Sportsbook

BetUS announced ‘The Russini Report’ on Monday.
November 9, 2026

‘We Believe in Sports’: Skydance Combining HBO Max, Paramount+

Those services have rights to the NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, and more.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
November 8, 2026

Mike Tirico Out for ‘Sunday Night Football’ With ‘Health Issue’

The game was set to be Tirico’s 300th NFL broadcast.
The ESPN logo is seen on an electronic display in Times Square in New York City, U.S., August 23, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Exclusive
November 6, 2026

ESPN Warns Talent About Insider Betting on Prediction Markets

The guidelines were sent to on-camera talent at the end of October.
November 6, 2026

College Football’s Loaded Saturday Sets Up Huge Day for ABC, ESPN

The networks will broadcast five top-25 matchups Saturday.
Feb 7, 2022; Westlake Village, CA, USA; ESPN reporter Dianna Russini at Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Opening Night at Oaks Christian High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
First at FOS
November 6, 2026

Dianna Russini Set to Return to Media: What We Know

Russini’s new content is expected to be sponsored by gambling operators.