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Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 00:34 UTC → 2026-10-23 13:57 UTC · added removed

Disney and ESPN have confirmed comprehensive broadcasting plans for Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium. The event will be available via ABC, ESPN, and Disney+, with the latter providing coverage to 55 international markets, including Brazil, Latin America, South Africa, and Australia. This expansion serves as a test of the platform’s capacity for live sports globally. markets. In addition to the traditional broadcast featuring Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, ESPN is introducing multiple alternate formats. These include the ‘ManningCast’ with Peyton and Eli Manning on ESPN2, the ‘Super Bowl LXI Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPNU, and the ‘Super Bowl LXI Playbook with Next Gen Stats’ an analytics-focused feed on NFL Network. Spanish-language coverage will be provided through ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and Univision. A major component of the coverage is ‘Star Wars Funday Football,’ a real-time animated alternate telecast produced by the NFL, ESPN, Lucasfilm, and Disney. Streaming on Disney+, the ESPN App, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, the presentation will use Using Sony’s Beyond Sports data visualization technology to transform athletes into animated avatars within the Star Wars galaxy, combining technology, NFL Next Gen Stats with Stats, and Hawk-Eye Innovations optical tracking. tracking, the broadcast will transform athletes into animated avatars. Anthony Daniels is confirmed to will return as the to voice of C-3PO. This marks the first animated alternate presentation of a Super Bowl. The partnership also initiative includes Star Wars-themed ‘Hyperspace Highlights’ on SportsCenter+ and animated Darth Vader player interviews with NFL players starting beginning in late October 2026. Disney reported that advertising demand However, Disney’s fragmented distribution strategy has resulted in caused friction with local ABC affiliates owned by groups such as Sinclair, Nexstar, and Tegna. Affiliates expressed concerns over the earliest loss of local advertising sellout in Super Bowl history. While Disney stated that U.S. subscribers revenue, which can access represent roughly 3% of a station's annual income; one CEO estimated local revenue tied to the game on Disney+ without additional costs, specific pricing and plan details for international markets have not yet been disclosed. could drop by 35 percent. A Disney spokesperson defended the multi-platform approach, stating that making marquee live events available via streaming is a “well-established industry practice.”

Versions

  1. 2026-10-23 13:57 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans
  2. 2026-10-21 00:34 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans
  3. 2026-10-20 07:45 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans
  4. 2026-10-20 02:52 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans
  5. 2026-10-12 13:45 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans
  6. 2026-10-11 20:53 UTC Super Bowl LXI broadcasting and streaming plans

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