Paramount+ will not broadcast the Super Bowl in 2026
The Super Bowl in 2026 will air on CBS, not Paramount+. CBS holds the broadcast rights for that game, and while Paramount+ is owned by the same parent company (Paramount Global), the streaming service does not automatically get Super Bowl broadcasts. You will need a cable or satellite subscription to CBS, or you can watch through a live TV streaming service that carries CBS.
This is different from some other major sports events. Paramount+ does stream some NFL games during the regular season and playoffs, but the Super Bowl has its own separate broadcast agreement that rotates among the major networks. In 2026, that agreement puts the game on CBS.
Key Takeaways
- CBS will broadcast the Super Bowl in 2026, not Paramount+, even though both are owned by Paramount Global.
- You can watch on CBS with a cable or satellite subscription, or through a live TV streaming service that includes CBS.
- Paramount+ carries some regular-season NFL games and playoff games, but not the Super Bowl.
- The Super Bowl broadcast rights rotate among networks every few years, so the channel changes over time.
How to watch CBS for the Super Bowl without cable
If you do not have a cable or satellite subscription, you can watch CBS through a live TV streaming service. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all carry CBS in most markets. You will need to check whether CBS is available in your specific area, since coverage varies by location.
These services cost between $40 and $80 per month, depending on which one you choose and what package you select. Most offer a free trial period of a few days, though the length varies. If you only want to watch the Super Bowl, you could sign up for the trial, watch the game, and cancel before you are charged.
What Paramount+ does stream for NFL fans
Paramount+ carries Thursday Night Football during the regular season, which means you can watch some NFL games on the streaming service. The service also streams some playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. If you are already a Paramount+ subscriber for other content, you can use it to follow some of the NFL season.
However, Paramount+ does not have the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl halftime show, or the pre-game coverage. For those, you need CBS or one of the live TV streaming services that carries CBS.
Why the Super Bowl is not on Paramount+
The Super Bowl broadcast rights are sold separately from regular NFL rights. The NFL auctions these rights to the highest bidder, and the networks that win take turns hosting the game. CBS won the rights for 2026, just as NBC had them for 2025 and Fox had them for 2024.
Even though Paramount Global owns both CBS and Paramount+, the company cannot move the Super Bowl to streaming without renegotiating the contract with the NFL. Those contracts are locked in years in advance, and moving a game to a different platform would require the NFL to agree.
When the Super Bowl might come to streaming
The NFL has been moving more games to streaming services in recent years. Amazon Prime Video now carries Thursday Night Football exclusively, and Peacock (owned by NBC) streams some playoff games. However, the Super Bowl is the most-watched broadcast event in the United States, and the networks that hold the rights want to keep it on traditional television to reach the largest possible audience.
It is possible that a future Super Bowl could stream on Paramount+ or another service, but that would require a new contract negotiation with the NFL. For now, the Super Bowl remains on broadcast television, and CBS has the 2026 game.
Other ways to watch if you travel or move
If you are outside the United States during the Super Bowl, you may not be able to watch through the services listed above. Some international streaming services carry the Super Bowl, but availability depends on which country you are in. Check with local broadcasters or streaming services in your location.
If you are in the United States but do not have internet fast enough for streaming, CBS will broadcast the game over the air for free. You only need a television antenna to pick up the CBS signal in your area. This is the same way people watched the Super Bowl before streaming existed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount+ if I have a cable login?
No. Paramount+ does not stream the Super Bowl even if you log in with a cable account. You must watch on CBS itself, either through cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service.
Will Paramount+ ever get the Super Bowl?
It is possible in the future, but not for 2026. The NFL would need to sell the Super Bowl rights to Paramount Global and agree to let them stream it. That would require a new contract negotiation, which happens every few years.
Is the Super Bowl free on any streaming service?
The Super Bowl is free on CBS if you have a cable subscription or an antenna. It is not free on any streaming service, though some services offer free trials that could cover the game date.
What if my area does not get CBS on a live TV streaming service?
Check whether you can pick up CBS with a television antenna in your area. You can use a tool like TVFool.com to see which broadcast channels reach your location. If neither works, you may need to watch at a friend's house or a public venue.
Does Paramount+ have any Super Bowl-related content?
Paramount+ may have documentaries, behind-the-scenes shows, or other NFL content, but not the live Super Bowl broadcast itself. Check the service directly to see what Super Bowl-related programming is available.