Disney Aims for Record US Viewership With Super Bowl LXI

Disney is expanding its Super Bowl LXI coverage with multiple simulcasts across its networks, aiming to set a new U.S. viewership record. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN app, with a standard simulcast available on Disney+.

The 'Manningcast' will be broadcast on ESPN2, while Spanish-language coverage will be available on ESPN Deportes and Univision. This extensive coverage lineup is part of Disney's goal to make Super Bowl LXI impossible to miss.

Immediately after the game, the drama 'High Potential' will air on ABC and Disney+. The show averaged 16.01 million viewers in the 2025-2026 broadcast season and had a 3.35 rating among adults 18-49 after 35 days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and digital platforms.

## What's at Stake The current single-network audience record in U.S. television history is held by Super Bowl LIX, which aired on Fox platforms in 2025. By broadcasting Super Bowl LXI across multiple networks, Disney is hoping to break this record and reach a wider audience.

## Why it Matters The move to broadcast Super Bowl LXI across multiple networks is significant, as it reflects the changing media landscape and the increasing importance of streaming services. By making the game available on Disney+, Disney is catering to the growing number of viewers who prefer to watch content online.

The decision to air 'High Potential' immediately after the game is also strategic, as it allows Disney to capitalize on the large audience that will be watching the Super Bowl. By promoting the show during the post-Super Bowl glow, Disney hopes to attract new viewers and increase its ratings.

Super Bowl LXI will take place on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and with Disney's extensive coverage lineup, it is likely to be one of the most-watched events in U.S. television history.