What Television Network Is Carrying The Super Bowl?

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

The Super Bowl is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, capturing the attention of millions of viewers worldwide. As the pinnacle of American football, the Super Bowl brings together the best teams from the National Football League (NFL) for a thrilling championship game. Alongside the excitement of the game itself, another essential aspect is the television network responsible for broadcasting the event.

Viewers eagerly tune in to watch the Super Bowl, not only for the intense sporting action but also for the highly anticipated commercials, halftime show, and overall spectacle of the event. The television network carrying the Super Bowl holds the responsibility of delivering a captivating and seamless viewing experience to fans.

In this article, we will dive into the history of Super Bowl broadcasting rights and explore the current television network that carries the Super Bowl. Additionally, we will discuss the factors that influence the selection of the television network and highlight some past networks that have been entrusted with broadcasting the Super Bowl.

History of Super Bowl Broadcasting Rights

The Super Bowl, dating back to its first edition in 1967, has become a cultural phenomenon and an integral part of American sports history. In the early years, the broadcasting rights for the Super Bowl were not as lucrative as they are today. The first two Super Bowl games were simultaneously broadcasted by both CBS and NBC, who each had their own commentators covering the game.

However, in 1969, CBS secured the exclusive rights to televise the Super Bowl, marking the beginning of a long-running relationship between the NFL and the major television networks. The exclusive rights afforded CBS the opportunity to captivate a massive viewership and attract advertisers who recognized the immense reach of the Super Bowl.

As the Super Bowl grew in popularity, so did the value of its broadcasting rights. In the following years, the NFL decided to grant the rights to different networks on a rotating basis, allowing each network to showcase the Super Bowl and benefit from the incredible viewership and advertising opportunities it presented.

In 1985, ABC joined the rotation and enjoyed great success with their Super Bowl broadcasts, including memorable moments like the “The Catch,” a game-winning touchdown reception by San Francisco 49ers’ Dwight Clark in Super Bowl XXIII. ABC continued to be part of the Super Bowl broadcast rotation until 2006, when the network was acquired by ESPN, which does not air the game due to their focus on regular sports programming.

Since then, the primary networks that have held the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl are CBS, NBC, and FOX. The rotation allows each network to carry the game every three years, ensuring a fair distribution of the highly sought-after broadcasting rights.

Over the years, as the Super Bowl has grown into a global event, the broadcasting rights have become increasingly valuable. Networks vie for the opportunity to host this prestigious event, not only to attract a massive audience but also to secure significant advertising revenues.

Now that we understand the history of Super Bowl broadcasting rights, let’s explore the television network that currently carries the Super Bowl.

Current Television Network Carrying Super Bowl

Currently, the television network carrying the Super Bowl in the United States is determined by a rotation among three major networks: CBS, NBC, and FOX. Each network gets the opportunity to broadcast the big game every three years.

In recent years, CBS has been the network trusted with broadcasting the Super Bowl. CBS has a rich history with the Super Bowl, having aired the game numerous times since acquiring exclusive rights in 1969. With its extensive coverage and experienced sports broadcasting team, CBS delivers a top-notch viewing experience to millions of fans.

When it is CBS’s turn to carry the Super Bowl, they go all out to make the event memorable. They deploy a large production team, utilize new technologies, and create unique camera angles to capture every moment of the game. CBS also ensures high-quality commentary and analysis from renowned sports commentators and former players.

In addition to CBS, both NBC and FOX have also earned the privilege of broadcasting the Super Bowl in recent years. NBC, with its strong sports coverage and expertise, provides a captivating viewing experience, complete with in-depth analysis and entertaining pre-game and halftime shows. FOX, known for its innovative broadcasting techniques and engaging presentation, adds its unique touch to the broadcast, making the Super Bowl a must-watch event for football fans around the country.

The decision to rotate the broadcast rights among these three networks ensures that each network has ample time to plan and prepare for the massive undertaking of hosting the Super Bowl. It also provides a variety of broadcasting styles and perspectives, keeping the viewing experience fresh and exciting with each network’s unique approach.

The rotation system allows different networks to showcase their strengths and expertise, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Super Bowl broadcasting. Regardless of the network, viewers can expect a visually stunning and seamlessly executed broadcast that enhances their enjoyment of the game.

Now that we know the current television network carrying the Super Bowl, let’s delve into the factors that influence the selection of the network.

Check the official NFL website or the Super Bowl website for the most up-to-date information on which television network is carrying the Super Bowl. You can also check with your cable or satellite provider for the channel information.

Factors Influencing Television Network Selection

Several factors come into play when determining which television network will have the honor of broadcasting the Super Bowl. The decision is based on various elements that contribute to delivering the best possible viewing experience to the millions of fans eagerly tuning in to watch the big game.

One of the primary factors influencing the television network selection is the network’s track record and experience in sports broadcasting. The NFL seeks networks that have a proven history of covering major sporting events and have demonstrated their ability to handle the complexities of such a high-profile broadcast. This includes having a skilled production team, experienced commentators, and access to cutting-edge technology to enhance the viewer experience.

The network’s reach and audience are also key considerations. The NFL aims to maximize the Super Bowl’s exposure and ensure it reaches the widest possible audience. Networks with extensive coverage and a large viewership base are more likely to be chosen as it guarantees the game will be accessible to as many fans as possible.

Advertising revenue is another significant factor. The Super Bowl is not only about the game itself but also the advertising bonanza that accompanies it. Advertisers are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for commercial slots during the Super Bowl because they know it will reach a massive audience. Networks that can attract premium advertisers and generate substantial advertising revenue are more appealing to the NFL.

The technological capabilities of the network also play a role. The Super Bowl is a visually captivating event, and networks that can leverage advanced camera technologies, provide high-definition broadcasts, and offer innovative viewing experiences are highly desirable. The ability to enhance the production value with exceptional graphics, replay systems, and other visual elements is crucial in creating an immersive and engaging viewer experience.

Lastly, the network’s commitment to promoting and enhancing the Super Bowl experience is taken into account. Networks that go the extra mile to create captivating pre-game and halftime shows, feature in-depth analysis, showcase unique perspectives, and add entertaining elements to the broadcast are more likely to secure the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl.

Considering all these factors, the NFL carefully evaluates and selects the television network that can best meet its criteria and deliver an exceptional Super Bowl viewing experience to fans around the world.

Now let’s take a look at some past networks that have had the privilege of carrying the Super Bowl.

Past Television Networks That Have Carried the Super Bowl

Throughout the history of the Super Bowl, several television networks have been entrusted with the honor of broadcasting the biggest sporting event in the United States. These networks have played a pivotal role in delivering memorable experiences to millions of viewers worldwide.

One of the earliest networks to broadcast the Super Bowl was CBS. CBS secured the exclusive rights to televise the Super Bowl in 1969 and has been a part of its broadcasting history ever since. With its extensive coverage and experienced sports broadcasting team, CBS has provided fans with unforgettable moments and captivating broadcasts over the years.

NBC is another network that had the privilege of carrying the Super Bowl on multiple occasions. The network joined the rotation in 1985, and its broadcasts have consistently offered viewers insightful analysis, engaging commentary, and thrilling coverage. NBC has delivered some of the most memorable Super Bowl moments, creating a lasting impact on fans.

FOX is known for its innovative broadcasting techniques and has also held the rights to broadcast the Super Bowl. The network’s exciting and dynamic presentation has enhanced the viewer experience, adding its unique touch to the game. FOX has brought remarkable energy and entertainment to Super Bowl broadcasts, making it a must-watch event for fans.

ABC, although no longer part of the rotation due to its acquisition by ESPN, was a significant player in Super Bowl broadcasting for several years. The network provided viewers with top-notch coverage, delivering memorable moments and insightful commentary. ABC’s Super Bowl broadcasts were highly anticipated and played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s popularity.

Other networks that have been part of the Super Bowl broadcasting history include ESPN, which focuses primarily on regular sports programming and does not carry the game itself. Additionally, the NFL Network has aired some Super Bowl-related content, providing dedicated coverage and analysis for football enthusiasts.

These networks have each brought their unique style and expertise to the Super Bowl broadcasts, adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. Their contributions have helped make the Super Bowl the spectacular event it is today.

As the years go by, the torch of Super Bowl broadcasting is passed from one network to another, ensuring that each network gets its turn to showcase the game and contribute to its long-standing legacy.

Now that we have explored the past networks, let’s conclude our discussion on the importance of the Super Bowl television network selection.

Conclusion

The television network carrying the Super Bowl plays a significant role in bringing the excitement and spectacle of the event to millions of viewers. Over the years, CBS, NBC, and FOX have been the primary networks trusted with broadcasting the Super Bowl, each offering their unique strengths and expertise.

The history of Super Bowl broadcasting rights showcases how the value of these rights has grown immensely. From simultaneous broadcasts by multiple networks to the rotation system, the NFL has carefully selected networks with a proven track record in sports broadcasting and wide reach, ensuring the game receives maximum exposure and advertising revenue.

Factors influencing the selection of the television network include the network’s experience, reach, advertising potential, technological capabilities, and commitment to enhancing the Super Bowl experience. These factors contribute to delivering a captivating and seamless viewing experience for football fans around the world.

Past networks, such as CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC, have made their mark on Super Bowl broadcasting, creating memorable moments and shaping the event’s popularity. Each network brings its own style, expertise, and innovations to enhance the game’s coverage and immerse viewers in the excitement of the Super Bowl.

In conclusion, the television network carrying the Super Bowl holds great responsibility in delivering an exceptional viewing experience. The selection is based on a combination of factors that ensure the game reaches a vast audience, generates substantial advertising revenue, and showcases the best of sports broadcasting technology and coverage.

As the Super Bowl continues to captivate fans year after year, it is the collaboration between the NFL and the chosen network that brings the event to life on screens across the nation. The anticipation, excitement, and legacy of the Super Bowl wouldn’t be the same without the dedication and expertise of these television networks.

So, whether you’re cheering for your favorite team, enjoying the commercials, or eagerly awaiting the halftime show, remember to thank the television network for bringing the Super Bowl experience right into your living room.