Super Bowl games are on Paramount Plus only in certain years, and only if your subscription includes the CBS add-on or you pay for a one-time event pass

Paramount Plus does not carry the Super Bowl every year. CBS owns the broadcast rights to the Super Bowl on a rotating basis — the network airs it in some years and other networks (Fox, NBC, ABC) air it in others. When CBS has the rights, Paramount Plus streams it, but you need either a Paramount Plus with Showtime subscription or a separate one-time Super Bowl pass to watch. A basic Paramount Plus subscription alone will not give you access.

The Super Bowl airs live on Paramount Plus at the same time it broadcasts on CBS. You can also watch it on demand after the game ends, though the on-demand version may be available only to subscribers with the Showtime add-on. Check Paramount Plus directly closer to the game date to confirm which subscription tier you need for that year.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries the Super Bowl only in years when CBS holds the broadcast rights, which rotates among the major networks.
  • A basic Paramount Plus subscription does not include Super Bowl access; you need either Paramount Plus with Showtime or a one-time event pass.
  • The game streams live at the same time as the CBS broadcast, and on-demand replays may be available afterward depending on your subscription level.
  • You can check the Paramount Plus app or website a few weeks before the Super Bowl to see which subscription option you need for that specific year.

When CBS has the Super Bowl rights

CBS gets the Super Bowl broadcast rights once every three years as part of a rotating agreement with the NFL. In years when CBS airs the game, Paramount Plus streams it simultaneously. The most recent Super Bowl on CBS and Paramount Plus was in February 2024. The next CBS Super Bowl will air in 2027.

If you already have Paramount Plus with Showtime, you are covered — that subscription tier includes access to all CBS programming, including the Super Bowl. If you have a basic Paramount Plus subscription, you will need to either upgrade to add Showtime or purchase a one-time Super Bowl pass for that game.

What subscription level you need

Paramount Plus with Showtime is the higher-tier subscription that includes all CBS content. This tier costs more per month than basic Paramount Plus, but it covers the Super Bowl automatically when CBS has the rights. If you already subscribe to Showtime separately, Paramount Plus with Showtime may cost less than paying for both services individually.

If you do not want to upgrade your subscription, Paramount Plus typically offers a one-time Super Bowl pass for a lower price. This pass gives you access to the live game and on-demand replays for that single event. The price varies by year, but it is usually less than the cost of upgrading to Paramount Plus with Showtime for a month. Paramount Plus announces the pass option and its price a few weeks before the game.

How to watch on the day of the game

Open the Paramount Plus app or website on your device — phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV. Search for "Super Bowl" or look for it in the live TV section. The game will be listed with a start time. Tap or click to begin watching at game time.

If you are watching on a TV, make sure your device is connected to the same network as your Paramount Plus account. You may need to sign in with your email and password. If you have trouble finding the game, check the Paramount Plus help section or contact their support team — they can confirm whether your subscription includes access and troubleshoot any playback issues.

Other networks that carry the Super Bowl

In years when CBS does not have the rights, Fox, NBC, or ABC airs the Super Bowl instead. Fox streams it on the Fox app and website. NBC streams it on Peacock (NBC's streaming service). ABC streams it on Hulu and the ABC app. Each network's streaming service requires a subscription or a cable login to watch.

If you want to watch the Super Bowl regardless of which network has it, you may need subscriptions to more than one streaming service, or you can watch it on broadcast television for free if you have an antenna. Check which network has the rights the year you want to watch, then use that network's streaming service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch the Super Bowl on basic Paramount Plus?

Only if CBS has the broadcast rights that year and you purchase a one-time Super Bowl pass. A basic subscription does not include it automatically. If you have Paramount Plus with Showtime, you can watch it at no extra cost when CBS airs the game.

What if I miss the live game?

On-demand replays are usually available after the game ends. Availability depends on your subscription tier — Paramount Plus with Showtime typically has full access, while basic subscribers may need the one-time pass to watch the replay.

How much does the Super Bowl pass cost?

The price varies by year. Paramount Plus announces the cost a few weeks before the game. It is usually lower than the monthly cost of upgrading to Paramount Plus with Showtime, but check the Paramount Plus website for the exact price when it becomes available.

Which network has the Super Bowl next year?

The rights rotate among CBS, Fox, NBC, and ABC. CBS will air the Super Bowl again in 2027. For the specific year you want to watch, search online for "Super Bowl [year] network" or check the NFL's official website for the broadcast schedule.