ESPN Will Broadcast Its First Super Bowl in 2027
The network plans to leverage Disney assets to target record-breaking viewership for the 2027 championship game.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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ESPN is preparing to broadcast its first Super Bowl in 2027. The network intends to utilize extensive daily storytelling and Walt Disney Company intellectual property to aim for the highest television ratings in the history of the event.
Why it matters
As ESPN integrates its platforms, this inaugural Super Bowl broadcast marks a strategic effort to consolidate its direct-to-consumer service and sports coverage. The network hopes to draw a record-setting audience by blending traditional sports broadcasting with Disney entertainment resources.
ESPN, which has a 50-year history of television broadcasting, is now looking to leverage its 2026 acquisition of NFL Network and its 2025 direct-to-consumer service. The network currently has 105 days remaining until its inaugural Super Bowl production.
The players
ESPN
This American international basic cable sports channel is owned by ESPN Inc., a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications.
The Walt Disney Company
This diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate owns various film studios, television networks, and theme parks.
NFL Network
This American sports-oriented digital cable and satellite television network is owned by the National Football League.
The details
The network plans to produce months of daily storytelling and special features leading up to the 2027 game. Viewers can expect a focus on contextual relevance, including the integration of betting statistics, alongside broader access options for Disney+ subscribers.
Timeline
2025: ESPN launched a direct-to-consumer service.
February 2026: The 2026 Super Bowl concluded.
2027: ESPN broadcasts its first Super Bowl.
Season Trajectory
This move signals a shift in the competitive balance of sports broadcasting as ESPN evolves from a traditional cable entity into a multi-platform powerhouse. By bridging the gap between sports and general entertainment, the network aims to redefine the scale and reach of championship coverage.
Viewers can expect significant changes to how the Super Bowl is consumed, including cross-platform access via Disney+ for non-subscribers. This integration of sports and general entertainment content aims to expand the audience beyond the traditional demographic of football fans.
The takeaway
This broadcast represents an aggressive push to merge sports viewing with the broader Disney entertainment ecosystem to capture a wider audience. Fans should look for increased interactive content, such as betting integrations, throughout the months preceding the game.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of professional sports broadcasting, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fast Company.
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Would you enjoy an alternate Super Bowl broadcast featuring animated characters from movies or TV?
