Super Bowl games air on CBS, which streams on Paramount Plus during the regular season and playoffs, but the Super Bowl itself does not
The Super Bowl does not stream on Paramount Plus. CBS owns the broadcast rights to certain NFL games during the regular season and playoffs, and those games do appear on Paramount Plus with a paid subscription. However, the Super Bowl is a separate event with its own broadcast arrangement, and it rotates among the major networks — CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN — on a four-year cycle. When the Super Bowl airs on CBS, it broadcasts on CBS's main channel and on Paramount Plus simultaneously, but you need to check which network is hosting that specific year's game.
The Super Bowl broadcast is free over the air on whichever network carries it that year. You do not need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch it, even if CBS is the host network. If you want to stream it on Paramount Plus when CBS is the host, you will need an active subscription — but the game will also be available free through CBS.com or the CBS app with a cable login.
Key Takeaways
- The Super Bowl rotates among CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN; it is not exclusive to any one network or streaming service.
- When CBS hosts the Super Bowl, it airs free on CBS television and streams on Paramount Plus only if you have a paid subscription.
- You can always watch the Super Bowl free over the air on the network that is broadcasting it that year.
- Paramount Plus does carry regular-season and playoff NFL games on CBS, so a subscription gives you access to most of the season.
How to find out which network is broadcasting this year's Super Bowl
The Super Bowl host network changes every four years. CBS hosted in 2021 and 2024. Fox will host in 2025. NBC will host in 2026. ESPN will host in 2027. You can confirm the current year's network by checking the official NFL website or the Super Bowl's official site — both list the broadcast details months in advance.
Once you know which network is hosting, you can decide whether to watch on television, through the network's free streaming option, or through a paid subscription service. If you already have Paramount Plus for other content, and CBS is the host that year, you can use your subscription to stream it — but you are not required to pay for a subscription just to watch the game.
What Paramount Plus does offer for NFL fans
Paramount Plus carries Thursday Night Football games during the regular season, which is exclusive to the service. You need a paid subscription to watch these games. The service also streams CBS's Sunday afternoon games and playoff games when CBS is the broadcaster, so if you follow a team that plays on CBS, a Paramount Plus subscription covers most of their season.
The subscription tiers matter here. Paramount Plus offers a plan with ads and a plan without ads. Both include live sports. The price varies depending on whether you bundle it with other services or pay month to month, so check Paramount's current pricing before you sign up.
Free ways to watch the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl always broadcasts free on the network that hosts it. You do not need cable, a subscription, or a login. Turn on the network on your television, and you can watch. If you do not have cable or an antenna, you can stream it free through the host network's website or app — CBS.com and the CBS app, for example, if CBS is hosting. These free streams usually require you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV subscription, but some networks offer a limited free window on their apps.
If you have a streaming TV service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV, you can watch the Super Bowl through whichever network is hosting, since these services include the major broadcast networks. Check your service's channel lineup to confirm.
When Paramount Plus is worth it for football
Paramount Plus makes sense for NFL fans if you want to watch Thursday Night Football or if your team plays most of its games on CBS. The service costs between $6 and $12 per month depending on the plan and whether you are bundling it. If you watch only a few games a year, the cost might not justify the subscription. If you watch multiple games a week, it probably does.
The Super Bowl alone is not a reason to buy Paramount Plus, since you can watch it free on the host network. But if you are already considering the service for other reasons — movies, shows, or regular-season football — the Super Bowl will be included when CBS hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Super Bowl on Paramount Plus if I do not have cable?
Only if CBS is hosting that year and you have a paid Paramount Plus subscription. If another network is hosting, Paramount Plus will not have the game. You can always watch free on the host network's website or app, though some require a cable login.
Does Paramount Plus charge extra for the Super Bowl?
No. If you have a Paramount Plus subscription and CBS is hosting, the Super Bowl is included in your regular subscription at no extra cost. You do not pay per game or per event.
What if I want to watch the Super Bowl but do not have Paramount Plus or cable?
The Super Bowl broadcasts free on the host network. If you have an antenna, you can pick up the signal over the air. If you do not have cable or an antenna, check whether the host network's app offers a free preview window on game day — some do, though policies change year to year.
Does Paramount Plus have other NFL games besides Thursday Night Football?
Yes. Paramount Plus streams CBS's regular Sunday afternoon games and CBS playoff games during the season. You need a paid subscription to watch. Thursday Night Football is exclusive to Paramount Plus, but the Sunday games also air on CBS television.