Yes, you can watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus, but only in certain years
Paramount Plus carries the Super Bowl when CBS has the broadcast rights that year. CBS and Paramount Plus are both owned by Paramount Global, so when CBS airs the game, it streams simultaneously on Paramount Plus at no extra cost to subscribers. However, the NFL rotates broadcast rights among networks on a yearly schedule, so Paramount Plus does not have the Super Bowl every year.
For 2025, CBS does not have Super Bowl rights — the game airs on NBC instead. This means Paramount Plus will not stream it. For 2026, CBS regains the rights, and Paramount Plus will carry the game. The rotation continues: CBS has Super Bowl rights again in 2030 and 2034. If you want to know whether Paramount Plus will have the Super Bowl in a specific year, check which network CBS Sports announces has the broadcast contract for that season.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus streams the Super Bowl only in years when CBS holds the broadcast rights, which happens roughly every three to four years.
- When the Super Bowl is available on Paramount Plus, any active subscriber can watch it with no additional fee or special sign-up.
- CBS has Super Bowl rights in 2026, 2030, and 2034, meaning Paramount Plus will carry the game in those years.
- In years when another network broadcasts the Super Bowl, you will need to watch on that network's app or channel instead.
How the NFL broadcast schedule works
The NFL divides its broadcast rights among four networks: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. Each network gets certain games throughout the regular season and playoffs. The Super Bowl rotates among the three broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC) on a set schedule. ESPN does not broadcast the Super Bowl.
This rotation means that in any given year, only one network has Super Bowl rights. Paramount Plus can only stream it when that network is CBS. The schedule is set years in advance, so you can plan ahead. If you know CBS will have the Super Bowl in a particular year, you know Paramount Plus will stream it.
What you need to watch on Paramount Plus
You must have an active Paramount Plus subscription. Both the Essential (ad-supported) and Premium (ad-free) tiers include Super Bowl access when the game is available. You do not need to pay extra or unlock a special sports package.
You can watch on any device that runs the Paramount Plus app: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, or gaming consoles. The stream quality depends on your internet connection and the device you use. For the best picture, use a wired internet connection if possible, especially if others in your household are using the network at the same time.
When the Super Bowl streams on Paramount Plus
The Super Bowl typically kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time on a Sunday in early February. Paramount Plus begins streaming the game at the same time CBS broadcasts it on television. Pre-game coverage usually starts about an hour before kickoff.
The stream runs live, so you cannot pause and resume it later the way you might with an on-demand show. However, Paramount Plus may offer replays or clips after the game ends, depending on the rights agreement in place that year. Check the app on game day to see what replay options are available.
Checking if the Super Bowl is on Paramount Plus this year
The easiest way to confirm is to check the Paramount Plus app or website a few weeks before the Super Bowl. Paramount Plus will promote the game prominently if it has the rights. You can also search "which network broadcasts the Super Bowl [year]" to find out which network has rights, then confirm whether that network is CBS.
Another reliable source is the official NFL website, which lists the broadcast schedule for the season. The Super Bowl information appears under the playoffs section. If you see CBS listed as the broadcaster, Paramount Plus will have it.
What to do if Paramount Plus does not have the Super Bowl
In years when Fox or NBC broadcasts the Super Bowl, you will need to watch on that network instead. Fox streams the Super Bowl on its Fox Sports app and website. NBC streams it on Peacock (NBC's streaming service) and on NBC.com. Both networks offer free streaming options, though you may need to sign in with a cable provider account or create a free account.
If you do not have cable and want to watch on Fox, you can use a free antenna to pick up the broadcast over the air, since Fox is a broadcast network. NBC is also a broadcast network, so an antenna works for NBC broadcasts too. This is often the simplest option if you do not have a streaming subscription to the network that year.
Super Bowl streaming quality and reliability
Paramount Plus has handled Super Bowl streams successfully in past years when it had the rights. The stream is typically stable and available in high definition. However, the Super Bowl draws millions of viewers, so the app may experience slowdowns or temporary glitches during the first few minutes after kickoff when traffic peaks.
To avoid problems, open the Paramount Plus app 15 to 20 minutes before kickoff and navigate to the Super Bowl stream. This way, the app loads the broadcast before the heaviest traffic hits. If you experience buffering or freezing, try closing the app completely and reopening it, or restart your device. Switching to a wired internet connection can also improve stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special sports package to watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus?
No. Both the Essential and Premium tiers of Paramount Plus include the Super Bowl at no extra cost when the game is available. You do not need to purchase an add-on or upgrade your subscription.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus if I do not have cable?
Yes. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service that does not require a cable subscription. You only need an active Paramount Plus account. In years when CBS has the Super Bowl rights, any Paramount Plus subscriber can watch it.
What if I miss the Super Bowl live on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus may offer replays or highlight clips after the game, but the live stream itself cannot be paused or rewound. Check the app after the game ends to see what replay options are available that year. Full-game replays are not always may provide.
Will Paramount Plus have the Super Bowl in 2025?
No. NBC broadcasts the Super Bowl in 2025, so you will need to watch on Peacock, NBC.com, or NBC television instead. Paramount Plus will have the Super Bowl again in 2026, when CBS has the broadcast rights.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus outside the United States?
Paramount Plus availability and streaming rights vary by country. If you are outside the U.S., check the Paramount Plus app in your region or contact Paramount Plus support to learn whether the Super Bowl is available in your location.