• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

The Potential of a Pay-Per-View Super Bowl

  • The Super Bowl is the most-watched TV program of the year, averaging over 100 million viewers.
  • John Skipper recently said that he could see the NFL’s title game as a pay-per-view event.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Could the Super Bowl be a pay-per-view event one day? Former ESPN president and CEO of Meadowlark Media John Skipper told Dan Le Batard that it could happen.

“Super Bowl — take that to pay-per-view,” Skipper said. “That’s how they’re going to replace the money someday.”

The Super Bowl is the most-watched TV program of the year, averaging over 100 million viewers for CBS, NBC, or Fox.

“The numbers would be astronomical,” says pay-per-view expert Joe Hand Jr., president of Joe Hand Productions. The NFL declined to comment.

Hand believes a pay-per-view Super Bowl would easily shatter the record for highest-grossing PPV of all time. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao currently holds that distinction, generating 4.6 million buys and $600 million in revenue in 2015.

  • The NFL could charge up to $200 per home, Hand estimated. 
  • In comparison, the price for Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor in 2017 was $99.95 for high definition, $89.95 for standard — the same pricing setup as Mayweather vs. Pacquiao two years prior.

The NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” package is the most popular PPV program for bars and restaurants. Approximately 20,000 businesses purchase Sunday Ticket each season — around 5,000 pony up for big boxing and UFC fights. 

The chances of a PPV Super Bowl are still slight. The NFL appears committed to showing its games on network TV. 

Then again, nobody thought the NFL would embrace sports betting, either.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL’s 16-Game International Slate of Games Nears Reality

The league will play a record seven games outside the U.S. this season.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

On This Year’s CFB Rosters, Even Backup QBs Make Six Figures

The going rate for backup quarterbacks is in the mid-six-figures.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Lee Corso’s Farewell Delivers Record ‘College GameDay’ Viewership

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers, per preliminary figures.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
August 28, 2025

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.