Super Bowl 2025 Could Be the Last on Broadcast TV as Streaming Dominates Sports Media
NEW YORK, NY — The 2025 Super Bowl may mark the end of an era as the last championship game to air on traditional broadcast television, with media executives and industry analysts predicting a full shift to streaming platforms in the near future.
For decades, the Super Bowl has been a pillar of network television, drawing over 100 million viewers annually and serving as the most-watched event in the United States. However, with streaming services increasingly securing exclusive sports rights and networks struggling with declining ad revenue, the days of watching the big game on free over-the-air TV could be numbered.
The Streaming Takeover
The trend toward digital dominance has been accelerating. Amazon Prime Video already holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, and YouTube TV has taken over the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package. Meanwhile, Netflix and Apple TV+ have begun making aggressive moves into live sports, with Netflix recently securing its first NFL game—a major milestone signaling the league’s willingness to test streaming-exclusive broadcasts.
Reports indicate that as the NFL’s broadcast contracts expire in the late 2020s, the league may fully embrace direct-to-consumer streaming deals, cutting out traditional network partners like CBS, Fox, and NBC.
“The Super Bowl is one of the last major TV events that guarantees a massive audience, but as media consumption habits evolve, streaming giants are willing to pay more for exclusive rights,” said media analyst Evan Richards. “It’s likely that the 2025 game will be the last to be simulcast on a major broadcast network before the transition happens.”
What’s Driving the Shift?
The push toward streaming is driven by multiple factors:
- Declining Cable and Broadcast Viewership: Younger audiences are abandoning traditional TV in favor of on-demand and mobile-friendly options.
- Higher Bidding Power from Tech Companies: Streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple have deep pockets and are outbidding traditional networks for sports rights.
- Ad Revenue Shifts: Advertisers are increasingly favoring digital platforms, where they can target audiences more precisely.
- NFL’s Own Streaming Ambitions: The league already operates NFL+, a subscription service offering live games and exclusive content, and could look to expand direct monetization.
The Final Broadcast Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LIX, set to be played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in February 2025, is currently scheduled to air on Fox. However, insiders say discussions are already underway for future games to become streaming-only events, either as exclusive deals or hybrid models with limited broadcast access.
While some fans may resist the change, the NFL is focused on maximizing revenue and reaching younger viewers through digital-first strategies. If the league’s recent media moves are any indication, the 2025 Super Bowl could be the last hurrah for America’s biggest game on traditional television.
As the industry braces for the inevitable shift, one thing is certain—the way fans watch the Super Bowl is about to change forever.
