The Super Bowl, that annual spectacle of American football, advertising extravagance, and halftime show mastery, consistently draws in a massive global audience. But amidst the anticipation and excitement, one question consistently surfaces: “What channel will the Super Bowl be on?” Navigating the labyrinth of broadcast rights, streaming services, and international variations can be tricky. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the information you need to ensure you don’t miss a single snap of the action.
Understanding the Broadcast Rights Rotation
In the United States, the Super Bowl broadcast rights rotate between the three major networks: CBS, NBC, and Fox. This system ensures that each network gets a turn to showcase the biggest event in American sports. Because of this rotation, the channel that broadcast the Super Bowl changes every year.
The Rotation Cycle: Understanding this rotation is the key to predicting where the Super Bowl will land. Currently, the rotation is CBS, NBC, then Fox.
Recent History: To illustrate, consider recent Super Bowls:
Super Bowl LVIII (2024): CBS
Super Bowl LVII (2023): Fox.
Super Bowl LVI (2022): NBC.
Super Bowl LV (2021): CBS.
These examples show the constant rotation that is ongoing.
By paying attention to what channel had the super bowl the year before, you can make a very good educated guess of which channel will show the event the next year.
Finding the Super Bowl Channel in the United States
For viewers within the United States, here’s a breakdown of how to find the Super Bowl broadcast:
Traditional Broadcast Television:
The Super Bowl will always air on one of the aforementioned major networks (CBS, NBC, or Fox).
Check your local listings or the network’s official website closer to the date for precise channel information.
Over-the-air antennas will also provide access to the broadcast.
Cable and Satellite Providers:
Most cable and satellite packages include these major networks.
Your provider’s channel guide will list the corresponding channel number.
Streaming Services:
Streaming services that include live TV, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, will carry the Super Bowl broadcast.
CBS’s streaming service, Paramount+, NBC’s Peacock, and Fox sports app, will also stream the Super Bowl when their respective network broadcasts it.
It is very important to make sure that whatever streaming service that you use, contains the local channel that the super bowl will be shown on.
Super Bowl Streaming Options: A Deeper Dive
The rise of streaming has revolutionized how we consume live sports. Here’s a closer look at your Super Bowl streaming options:
Network-Specific Streaming:
When CBS broadcasts the Super Bowl, it will be available on Paramount+.
NBC’s coverage will be accessible on Peacock.
Fox broadcasts are available in the Fox Sports app and on FoxSports.com.
Live TV Streaming Services:
YouTube TV: Offers a comprehensive channel lineup, including all the major networks.
Hulu + Live TV: Provides a robust selection of live channels, alongside Hulu’s on-demand library.
Sling TV: Offers various channel packages, allowing you to customize your viewing experience.
FuboTV: Primarily geared towards sports enthusiasts, with a wide array of sports channels.
When deciding which streaming service to use, remember to check the availability of your local channels.
It is always a good idea to check for free trials that these services often give, so you can test them out before paying for a full subscription.
International Super Bowl Broadcasts
The Super Bowl’s global reach means it’s broadcast in numerous countries. Here’s a glimpse of international broadcast information:
Canada:
Typically, Canadian networks like CTV and TSN broadcast the Super Bowl.
United Kingdom:
Sky Sports and the BBC have broadcast the Super Bowl in recent years.
Australia:
ESPN Australia and other sports platforms carry the Super Bowl.
Other Countries:
Check your local sports programming guides for Super Bowl broadcast details.
The NFL provides international broadcast information on its official website.
It is becoming easier to watch the super bowl worldwide due to the increases in streaming options.
Staying Updated
To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, here are some tips:
Follow the NFL’s official website and social media channels.
Check the websites of CBS, NBC, and Fox.
Refer to your local TV listings and cable/satellite provider’s guide.
Keep your sports related apps on your mobile devices up to date.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to catch all the excitement of the Super Bowl, no matter where you are. Enjoy the game!
FAQs
Which channel broadcasted Super Bowl 2025?
Super Bowl LIX was broadcast nationally on Fox.
Were there streaming options available for Super Bowl 2025?
Yes, viewers had multiple streaming options:
Tubi: Fox’s free streaming service offered a live stream of the game without subscription fees.
Fubo: Provided live streaming of the Super Bowl, with free trial options for new users.
Other Platforms: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV included Fox in their channel lineups, allowing subscribers to stream the game.
How could viewers without cable access the Super Bowl?
Viewers without cable had several options:
Over-the-Air Antenna: An antenna could be used to receive local Fox broadcasts for free, depending on the viewer’s location.
Streaming Services: Platforms like Tubi, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offered access to Fox, enabling viewers to watch the game without a traditional cable subscription.
Was the Super Bowl available for streaming on Peacock?
No, Peacock did not stream Super Bowl LIX. The game was available on Fox, Fox Deportes, and Tubi.
What time did Super Bowl 2025 start?
Super Bowl LIX kicked off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Who performed during the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show?
Kendrick Lamar headlined the halftime show, marking his second Super Bowl performance. He was joined by special guest SZA.
How could international viewers, specifically in India, watch Super Bowl 2025?
In India, the Super Bowl was broadcast on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 2 (SD and HD). Additionally, streaming was available on Disney+ Hotstar and DAZN’s NFL Game Pass, which offered the Super Bowl experience for a one-time fee of ₹80.
Were there Spanish-language broadcasts of Super Bowl 2025?
Yes, Spanish-speaking viewers could watch the game on Fox Deportes and Telemundo.
Did Super Bowl 2025 set any viewership records?
Yes, Super Bowl LIX set a new viewership record with a projected 126 million viewers, surpassing the previous year’s record of 123.7 million.
What were the pre-game performances for Super Bowl 2025?
Jon Batiste performed the national anthem. Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle performed “America the Beautiful,” and Ledisi sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
To conclude
Super Bowl LIX not only showcased the pinnacle of American football but also highlighted the evolving landscape of media consumption. The availability of multiple viewing platforms—ranging from traditional cable broadcasts on Fox to free streaming on services like Tubi—underscored a shift towards more accessible and flexible viewing options. This democratization of access allowed a broader audience to engage with the event, contributing to its record-breaking viewership numbers. The integration of high-profile musical performances, such as Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, further enhanced the spectacle, blending sports and entertainment seamlessly. As technology continues to evolve, future Super Bowls may offer even more diverse and immersive viewing experiences, catering to a global audience with varied preferences.
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