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 broadcasts the game, it streams simultaneously on Paramount Plus. However, the Super Bowl broadcast rights rotate among networks every few years, so Paramount Plus does not have the game every single year.
The next Super Bowl on Paramount Plus will depend on when CBS's current rights cycle ends. As of now, CBS holds Super Bowl rights through Super Bowl LVIII (2024). After that, the rights shift to other networks on a rotating schedule. You can check Paramount Plus's sports schedule or CBS's official website closer to game day to confirm whether that year's Super Bowl will be available.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus streams the Super Bowl only when CBS has the broadcast rights that year, which changes on a rotating schedule.
- You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to watch, and the stream is included with all subscription tiers.
- The stream is live and simultaneous with the CBS broadcast, so you can watch in real time on game day.
- Paramount Plus may require you to sign in with your cable or streaming provider credentials if you have a lower-tier subscription plan.
What subscription tier do you need
All Paramount Plus subscription tiers include access to live CBS broadcasts, which means you can watch the Super Bowl with any active subscription. Whether you have the ad-supported plan or the ad-free plan, the Super Bowl stream is available to you.
Some users with the lowest-tier plan may be asked to authenticate through a cable or streaming provider account. This means signing in with your cable login or confirming you have a may have access to streaming service subscription. Paramount Plus uses this step to verify that you have a valid subscription, not to restrict access based on plan level.
How to find the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus
On game day, the Super Bowl typically appears on Paramount Plus's home page under a featured section or sports category. You can also search for "Super Bowl" in the search bar at the top of the app or website. The live stream usually goes live about 30 minutes before kickoff, so you can tune in early for pre-game coverage.
If you are watching on a TV app, the stream quality will depend on your internet connection and device. Paramount Plus recommends a connection of at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K, though the Super Bowl broadcast may not be available in 4K on all devices. Test your connection speed before game day if you want to avoid buffering during the broadcast.
Streaming the Super Bowl on different devices
You can watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus through the web browser on a computer, the mobile app on a phone or tablet, or the TV app on smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and gaming consoles. The experience is the same across all devices — you sign in with your Paramount Plus account and select the live Super Bowl broadcast.
If you are casting from a phone to a TV, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some older devices may not support the latest streaming technology, so if you experience lag or freezing, try restarting the app or your device. Closing other apps running in the background can also improve streaming performance on phones and tablets.
What happens if CBS does not have the Super Bowl that year
If the Super Bowl broadcast rights have moved to another network — such as Fox, NBC, or ESPN — then Paramount Plus will not carry the game. In those years, you would need to watch on the network that holds the rights or its streaming service. For example, if Fox has the Super Bowl, you would watch on Fox or Fox's streaming service instead.
You can find out which network has the Super Bowl rights by searching online for that year's game or checking the NFL's official website. The rights cycle is set years in advance, so you can plan ahead if you know which network will broadcast the game you want to watch.
Troubleshooting common streaming problems
If the Super Bowl stream will not load, first check that your internet connection is stable and meets Paramount Plus's minimum speed requirements. Restart the Paramount Plus app completely — close it and reopen it rather than just pausing and resuming. If you are using a web browser, try a different browser or clear your browser cache and cookies.
If you see a message saying you need to authenticate with a cable or streaming provider, follow the on-screen prompts to sign in. This usually takes less than a minute. If authentication fails, make sure you are using the correct login credentials for your cable or streaming service account. If the problem persists, contact Paramount Plus customer support through the app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cable to watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus?
No. A Paramount Plus subscription is all you need. Some plans may ask you to authenticate with a cable or streaming provider account, but this is just a verification step — you do not need an active cable subscription to watch.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus if I am outside the United States?
Paramount Plus availability and sports streaming rights vary by country. If you are outside the US, check whether Paramount Plus is available in your region and whether it carries the Super Bowl in that country. International streaming rights are often held by different services.
Will the Super Bowl stream be in 4K on Paramount Plus?
The Super Bowl may be available in 4K on some devices, but this depends on your device and internet speed. Paramount Plus recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. Check your device's specifications and your internet speed before game day to see if 4K is an option for you.
What if the stream keeps buffering during the game?
Buffering usually means your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, close other apps and browser tabs, or restart your device. If you are on a shared network, other users downloading or streaming may be slowing your connection. You can also try lowering the video quality in the app settings.
Can I record the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus to watch later?
Paramount Plus does not offer a built-in recording feature. However, if the Super Bowl is rebroadcast after the live game, it may appear in the Paramount Plus library as an on-demand video that you can watch anytime during your subscription.