Thursday, May 14, 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

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.

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

Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

NFL Staying Hands-Off Schedule Videos as Vrabel Jokes Loom

The league isn’t reviewing teams’ schedule release videos in advance.

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
TNT Sports
May 13, 2026

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.
May 13, 2026

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.
May 13, 2026

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
May 12, 2026

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.