NFL Projects Record Viewership for Super Bowl LX Despite Unexpected Matchup
Super Bowl LX may not feature the matchup many football fans predicted at the season's start, and the Kansas City Chiefs—who appeared in the last three championship games—are notably absent. However, the National Football League remains confident that another enormous television audience is highly achievable.
Streaming Data and Historical Trends Boost Audience Expectations
NFL viewership has grown consistently over the past three seasons, partly due to significant changes in how television ratings are calculated. Nielsen now incorporates Big Data from streaming platforms, capturing millions of viewers who were previously unmeasured. According to the Los Angeles Times, this methodological shift has elevated NFL ratings throughout the entire season.
Historical precedent also supports the league's optimism. When the New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, the game attracted over 114 million viewers on NBC, demonstrating that even familiar matchups can still draw massive attention.
Recent Super Bowl Viewership Continues Upward Trajectory
Recent Super Bowls have consistently broken viewership records, even when the matchup was not considered ideal by analysts. In 2025, the Chiefs versus Eagles game drew approximately 127.7 million viewers across Fox and Tubi. The previous year, Chiefs versus 49ers surpassed 123 million viewers on CBS and Nickelodeon.
These substantial increases are significant. The inclusion of Big Data from streaming services in Nielsen's official counts means more viewers are finally being accurately measured. The Los Angeles Times reported that this change alone has helped the league achieve new viewership highs.
NBC's Broadcast Team Faces Major Super Bowl Test
NBC's broadcast team will play a crucial role in shaping the at-home viewing experience. This marks the first Super Bowl play-by-play call for veteran broadcaster Mike Tirico. Behind the scenes, Rob Hyland will oversee the entire production for the first time.
According to Variety, NBC plans to deploy approximately 80 cameras and provide live weather data during the game. Wind conditions, temperature, and field status will be displayed clearly, particularly during critical moments like field goal attempts and long passing plays.
NBC Dismisses Concerns Over Alternative Halftime Programming
Questions have emerged regarding an alternative halftime show promoted by Turning Point USA. NBCUniversal advertising executive Mark Marshall addressed these concerns directly, telling the Los Angeles Times that the company does not expect the alternative programming to noticeably affect Super Bowl ratings. NBC remains confident that viewers will stay engaged with the main broadcast.
Familiar Faces Return for Sideline Reporting and Pregame Coverage
NBC will feature two female sideline reporters on Super Bowl Sunday. Melissa Stark returns for her second Super Bowl assignment, while Kaylee Hartung makes her championship game debut. Hartung told the New York Post that covering the Super Bowl represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
The pregame show will include appearances by Kyle Shanahan and Fred Warner, along with Aaron Donald and Cameron Heyward, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News. Segments of the pregame coverage will be broadcast from Alcatraz Island, adding unique visual elements to the presentation.
