What channel is the Super Bowl on in the UK? Why is it not on the BBC or ITV?
The Super Bowl 2026 will be broadcast in the UK mainly on Channel 5, with additional coverage on Sky Sports.
The Super Bowl 2026 is set to take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with a kick-off time of 11:30 PM GMT for UK viewers. This year, Channel 5 will be the primary free-to-air channel broadcasting the event in the UK, allowing viewers to watch the game live without any subscription fees, and coverage on this channel will start at 10:30 PM. Meanwhile, Sky Sports will also be broadcasting the event on Sky Sports NFL and Sky Sports Main Event, providing an ad-free viewing experience from 10 PM.
Traditionally, the Super Bowl has been broadcast by the BBC or ITV in the UK; however, this year marks a significant change as it will not be available on these major networks. The absence of BBC or ITV as broadcasters can be attributed to licensing agreements and decisions made by the NFL regarding television rights, steering UK audiences toward other options. This shift means that viewers will need to tune into Channel 5 or subscribe to Sky Sports to follow the event live.
In addition to these broadcasts, fans can also opt for alternative streaming through services like DAZN, which can provide a more immersive NFL experience that replicates the American coverage style. This growing trend of diverse viewing platforms reflects the changing landscape of sports broadcasting in the UK, where traditional channels now compete with emerging digital platforms catering to specific audience preferences.