Super Bowl availability on Paramount Plus varies by year and broadcast rights

Paramount Plus does not always carry the Super Bowl. Whether you can watch it on Paramount Plus depends on which network has the broadcast rights that year. The Super Bowl rotates among CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC on a four-year cycle. When CBS has the rights, the game streams on Paramount Plus because Paramount Plus is CBS's streaming service. When another network holds the rights, you will need that network's streaming service or cable login instead.

For example, CBS broadcast the Super Bowl in 2021 and 2025, making those games available on Paramount Plus. In 2024, Fox had the rights, so the game was on Fox and its streaming service Tubi. Check the current year's Super Bowl broadcast schedule before game day to confirm which service carries it.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries the Super Bowl only in years when CBS holds the broadcast rights, which happens roughly every four years.
  • The Super Bowl rotates among CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC, so you may need a different streaming service depending on the year.
  • When Paramount Plus does carry the Super Bowl, you need an active subscription to stream it live.
  • You can check which network is broadcasting the Super Bowl by searching for the current year's game or visiting the NFL's official website.

When CBS has Super Bowl rights, Paramount Plus is your streaming option

On CBS broadcast years, Paramount Plus streams the Super Bowl live to all subscribers. You do not need a cable login or additional payment beyond your regular Paramount Plus subscription. The stream typically starts before kickoff to include pre-game coverage.

Paramount Plus offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers. Both tiers can stream the Super Bowl, though the ad-supported version will include commercials during the game. The ad-free tier (Paramount Plus with Showtime) costs more but removes ads throughout the service.

How to find the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus

On game day, open Paramount Plus and look for the Super Bowl in the featured section at the top of the home screen. It is usually prominently displayed as a live event. You can also search for "Super Bowl" in the search bar to find the stream.

Start streaming a few minutes before kickoff to may support the connection is stable. If you experience buffering, try closing other apps on your device or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router. Paramount Plus recommends an internet speed of at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K, if available.

What to do if Paramount Plus is not carrying the Super Bowl

If another network has the broadcast rights that year, you have several options. You can watch on that network's streaming service (Fox on Tubi, NBC on Peacock, or ABC on Hulu), through a cable login if you have one, or on traditional television. Some sports bars and restaurants also broadcast the game.

If you want to watch on Paramount Plus specifically, you will need to wait for a year when CBS holds the rights. The rotation means CBS will broadcast the Super Bowl again in the future, though the exact year depends on the current broadcast schedule.

Checking your Paramount Plus subscription before game day

Make sure your Paramount Plus subscription is active and up to date before the Super Bowl. Log in a day or two early to confirm your account works and that you can stream video without problems. If you have an ad-supported plan and want to avoid ads during the game, you can upgrade to the ad-free tier before kickoff, though the change may not take effect when ready.

Test your internet connection on the device you plan to use. Stream a show or movie for a few minutes to check for buffering or connection drops. If you see problems, restart your router or move your device closer to it.

Super Bowl streaming on multiple devices

Paramount Plus allows you to stream on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your subscription tier. With an ad-supported plan, you can typically stream on one device at a time. With an ad-free plan, you can usually stream on two devices simultaneously. Check your specific plan's details in the account settings.

If you want to watch on a TV, you can use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Chromecast. You can also cast from a phone or tablet to a compatible TV. Make sure your streaming device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer for the smoothest experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Super Bowl free on Paramount Plus?

No, you need an active Paramount Plus subscription to stream the Super Bowl when CBS has the broadcast rights. Both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers include access to live CBS broadcasts, so you do not need to pay extra beyond your regular subscription cost.

Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus without a cable login?

Yes. When CBS broadcasts the Super Bowl, Paramount Plus streams it to all subscribers without requiring a cable login. You only need your Paramount Plus account credentials to sign in and watch.

What if I miss the Super Bowl live on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus typically makes the Super Bowl available on-demand after the live broadcast ends, so you can watch it later. Check your library or search for the game the next day. Availability may vary, so stream it as soon as possible if you plan to watch after game day.

Does Paramount Plus show Super Bowl commercials?

Yes, both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers show Super Bowl commercials. The Super Bowl is a live broadcast, and the ads are part of the live feed. The ad-free tier removes other ads from Paramount Plus content but not from live broadcasts like the Super Bowl.

How do I know if CBS is broadcasting the Super Bowl this year?

Search online for "Super Bowl [current year] broadcast network" or visit the NFL's official website to see which network has the rights. You can also check Paramount Plus's home page on game day — if the Super Bowl is available, it will be featured prominently.