Kaylah Walton
For the second consecutive year, the Super Bowl has achieved a record-high viewership. According to Fox Sports, the average audience peaked at 126 million viewers during the game where Philadelphia defeated Kansas City 40-22.
This surpassed last year’s figure of 123.7 million from CBS and its streaming services, demonstrating the growing popularity of the event even amidst shifting viewing habits. Notably, the viewer count hit a remarkable high of 135.7 million during the second quarter, a figure that is highly attractive for advertisers.
Streaming Growth Amidst TV Dominance
Fox’s audience numbers also factored in streaming figures from Tubi and the NFL’s own platforms, reporting that 14.5 million viewers tuned in online, which is a notable rise from prior years. Particularly, Tubi alone accounted for 13.6 million viewers, indicating a strong attraction to free digital platforms.
Despite the increasing interest in streaming, conventional TV remains the preferred choice for most viewers, with a significant number choosing Fox through cable or satellite for live action.
Was the Game’s Outcome Relevant?
In contrast to last year’s thrilling overtime showdown, this Super Bowl was practically decided by halftime, as the Eagles raced to a 24-0 lead, leaving the second half more of a formality than a contest.
Nonetheless, this didn’t deter viewers from tuning in. The allure of high-profile commercials, a captivating halftime show, and celebrity appearances kept audiences engaged, even if the game turned out to be less exciting.
Political and Celebrity Highlights
In a noteworthy twist, Donald Trump marked history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. Additionally, Taylor Swift’s connection with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce provided a significant subplot. Swift’s presence has notably enhanced NFL viewership this season, with the Super Bowl continuing that trend.
The halftime performance by Kendrick Lamar also garnered substantial attention, attracting 131.2 million viewers, reinforcing the fact that the Super Bowl is as much about entertainment as it is about football.
What’s Next for the NFL?
With three consecutive years featuring over 100 million viewers, the Super Bowl continues to be a ratings powerhouse. Advertisers are investing heavily, paying as much as $8 million for a 30-second advertisement spot, and based on the impressive viewership, their investment appears justified.
The upcoming Super Bowl will move to NBC/Peacock, followed by ABC/ESPN+ in 2027 and CBS in 2028. If the current trends persist, even larger viewership figures can be anticipated, particularly if next year’s game proves to be competitive.
