The news: Super Bowl LIX averaged 126 million viewers across FOX, FOX Deportes, Tubi, Telemundo, and NFL Digital properties, setting a new all-time viewership record, per FOX Sports. This beats earlier estimates which suggested viewership might drop off from last year.

• The game peaked at 135.7 million viewers between 8:00 and 8:15 p.m. ET during the second quarter—before the Eagles' lead made the game less competitive.
• Viewership surpassed last year’s record on CBS, marking a 2% increase year over year, despite a less thrilling contest.
• FOX's reported audience figures include expanded Nielsen measurements for out-of-home viewership, which now covers 100% of the US, further boosting total numbers.

Streaming success: Streaming played a major role, with 14.5 million viewers watching on Tubi and NFL digital properties.

• Tubi alone accounted for 13.6 million viewers, setting a new Super Bowl streaming record.
• This was the first time Tubi streamed the Super Bowl for free, expanding accessibility and showcasing the growing importance of digital platforms in sports broadcasting.

Why it matters: There’s simply no tentpole event like the Super Bowl—which is why advertisers will continue to pay for it.

• Super Bowl ads hit a record $8 million per 30-second slot, a price justified by the event’s unmatched reach.
• The NFL remains the most valuable TV product, even as regular-season ratings saw a slight 2% dip.
• Football dominates live TV—NFL games consistently outdraw other major broadcasts, making the league a priority for networks and streaming platforms alike.
• Next year’s Super Bowl on NBC and Peacock will be part of a packed sports calendar, airing just two days after the start of the Winter Olympics.

Our take: Even though the game was a 40-22 blowout, viewers still tuned in at record numbers, reinforcing the game’s cultural significance.

• The NFL’s move toward streaming is paying off, with record online audiences showing that the league’s digital expansion is resonating with fans.

With multiple simulcasts, expanded measurement methods, and increased second-screen engagement, the Super Bowl’s live sports dominance will continue to grow.