The Super Bowl remains the most powerful advertising stage in sports. Every year, brands line up to spend eye-watering sums just to grab 30 seconds of attention during the biggest television event in the United States. But while Super Bowl TV ads dominate the headlines, radio advertising around the game still plays an important and often misunderstood role. If you’re wondering how much a Super Bowl ad costs in 2026 on TV and radio, here’s the full breakdown.
Super Bowl TV Ad Cost in 2026
For Super Bowl LX, airing on February 8, 2026, the price of a 30-second national television commercial has reached historic levels.
Most standard spots are selling for around $8 million, while premium placements during the most-watched portions of the broadcast are reportedly pushing $9 to $10 million. That price reflects airtime only and does not include production, celebrity talent, licensing, or the digital marketing spend that often follows.
In reality, many brands invest more than $15 million once everything is factored in. Still, companies continue to justify the expense because the Super Bowl delivers something no other platform can match.
Key reasons brands pay the premium:
Over 100 million viewers are tuning in live Massive social media engagement before, during, and after the game Cultural relevance that can last years if the ad hits A rare chance to reach casual viewers who normally avoid adsFor national brands looking to make a statement, the Super Bowl is less about short-term return and more about brand positioning at the highest possible level.
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) react after the sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig – Imagn ImagesIs There a Super Bowl Radio Ad Cost?
Unlike television, there is no official national Super Bowl radio commercial with a fixed price tag. The Super Bowl itself is a TV-only event, and radio advertising does not operate on a single unified national broadcast model.
That said, radio advertising ramps up significantly during Super Bowl week and on game day, particularly across major sports talk networks, streaming audio platforms, and local stations in key markets.
Instead of a single ad slot, radio advertisers typically purchase campaigns, which may include:
High-frequency ad rotations during Super Bowl week Game-day sponsorships and live reads Cross-platform audio ads across radio and streaming servicesLarge national radio campaigns during this period can cost several hundred thousand dollars, depending on reach, duration, and network selection. Even aggressive nationwide radio buys remain a fraction of the cost of one Super Bowl TV spot.
TV vs Radio: Cost Comparison
From a pure pricing standpoint, the difference is dramatic.
A single 30-second Super Bowl TV ad can cost more than an entire month of national radio advertising. That gap explains why radio remains attractive for brands that want exposure tied to the Super Bowl without committing eight figures.
Radio advertising advantages include:
Significantly lower entry cost Flexibility to target local or regional markets High frequency and repetition Strong reach among sports fans during pregame and postgame coverageRadio does not offer the same cultural impact as a Super Bowl TV commercial, but it provides consistency, scale, and efficiency, especially for advertisers focused on direct response or regional awareness.
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) makes a pass during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II – Imagn ImagesWhy Super Bowl TV Ads Keep Getting More Expensive
Despite the rising costs, Super Bowl TV ad demand continues to outpace supply. There are only so many commercial slots, and brands view the game as one of the few remaining true mass-audience events.
Streaming has fragmented viewership across nearly every other form of media. The Super Bowl still brings everyone together in real time, which keeps prices climbing year after year.
Radio, on the other hand, benefits from that same hype cycle without the inflated pricing. Advertisers can align themselves with the biggest sports moment of the year without competing for a limited number of premium TV slots.
Final Takeaway
In 2026, a 30-second Super Bowl TV ad costs roughly $8 million, with premium placements reaching as high as $10 million. Radio advertising tied to the Super Bowl does not have a single set price, but national campaigns typically cost hundreds of thousands, not millions.
TV delivers unmatched visibility and cultural impact. Radio delivers flexibility, efficiency, and frequency. Both play important roles, but they serve very different strategies and budgets.
For brands, the decision is not about which is better. It is about what kind of exposure you want and how much you are willing to spend to get it
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) reacts with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig – Imagn ImagesHence then, the article about super bowl commercial cost how much is an ad in 2026 was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Super Bowl Commercial Cost: How Much is an Ad in 2026? )
Also on site :