Disney+ Will Simulcast Super Bowl LXI in February 2027
The streaming platform will carry the ESPN and ABC broadcast globally across more than 55 international markets.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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Disney+ will simulcast the Super Bowl LXI presentation in February 2027, featuring the same advertising inventory as the traditional ESPN and ABC broadcast. The streaming service will also provide a Spanish-language option via ESPN Deportes.
Why it matters
This expansion integrates major live sports into the Disney+ platform, further consolidating the reach of the NFL championship by including the stream in official Nielsen U.S. viewership measurements.
Disney+ will stream the event across 55 international markets, following its recent expansion into Formula E racing in August 2026. The platform currently measures audience engagement through Nielsen reporting for its U.S. subscribers.
The players
Disney+
Disney+ is a global subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned and operated by the Disney Entertainment segment of The Walt Disney Company.
ESPN
ESPN is a global cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., which is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications.
Nielsen
Nielsen is an American global information, data, and market measurement firm that provides insights into media consumption and audience behavior.
The details
The Super Bowl LXI stream will replicate the broadcast experience from ESPN and ABC, ensuring that viewers on the streaming platform see the same commercial advertisements. Disney+ is currently testing this sports integration with two Monday Night Football simulcasts, beginning with the Cowboys-Eagles game on October 26, 2026.
Timeline
Disney+ began offering its SC+ program in early 2025.
Formula E broadcast rights were acquired in August 2026.
The Cowboys-Eagles game will be simulcast on October 26, 2026.
Super Bowl LXI will be simulcast in February 2027.
Season Trajectory
The transition of the Super Bowl to a digital-first simulcast model extends the precedent set by the 2025 launch of SC+ on the platform. This move marks a departure from traditional cable-exclusive broadcast models, aligning with broader shifts in global streaming accessibility.
Viewers in the U.S. will have their platform activity counted toward official Nielsen ratings for the first time during a Super Bowl. Additionally, international subscribers across 55 markets can access the ESPN and ABC broadcast feed directly within the app.
The takeaway
The move to simulcast the championship game suggests that major live sports are becoming a cornerstone of the global streaming experience. Fans should look for increased platform-exclusive sports integration as the digital transition continues to displace traditional television viewing.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of televised sports, visit Football.
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