It’s game time, Disney fans!
There are some events throughout the year that have a remarkable way of bringing everyone together. Events that have become more than just something to watch on television, transforming into annual traditions filled with excitement, anticipation and plenty of unforgettable moments.
And when it comes to sporting events, there is arguably none bigger than the Super Bowl.
From the incredible plays unfolding on the field to the excitement of the halftime show, the commercials that have become entertainment events themselves and, of course, the snacks that seem to take over the living room, Super Bowl Sunday has become an occasion that extends well beyond football.
For many families, it’s an opportunity to gather together, cheer for their favorite team and enjoy one of the biggest entertainment spectacles of the year.
And in 2027, there’s going to be another way to join the excitement.
Disney+ has officially announced that it will livestream Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027, bringing the biggest night in American football to the streaming platform for the first time.
The announcement comes as part of a collaboration between Disney+, ESPN and the NFL, marking another major milestone in Disney’s growing collection of live sporting events.
And with ESPN preparing for its first-ever Super Bowl production, the occasion is shaping up to be quite the celebration.
Super Bowl Sunday Is Coming to Disney+
For the first time, all Disney+ subscribers in the United States will be able to watch the traditional Super Bowl broadcast directly through the streaming service.
The game will be presented simultaneously on ESPN, ABC and Disney+, giving football fans several ways to experience the championship.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will lead the commentary, joined by Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge as part of ESPN’s broadcast team.
And for viewers who prefer to enjoy the game in Spanish, Disney+ will also carry the Spanish-language presentation from ESPN Deportes.
But the excitement isn’t stopping with American audiences.
Disney+ will also stream the game in more than 55 international markets, including Brazil, Spanish-speaking Latin America, the Caribbean, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s television networks will bring the event to more than 130 countries and territories, helping make the championship accessible to football fans around the world.
It’s a significant expansion for Disney+, particularly as the platform continues introducing new entertainment experiences alongside its familiar collection of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars favorites.
And for families who already turn to Disney+ for movie nights and animated adventures, Super Bowl Sunday is about to become another reason to gather around the screen.
Football Fun Begins Before February
Of course, football fans won’t have to wait until February to enjoy some of the action on Disney+.
As part of the announcement, Disney confirmed that two regular-season “Monday Night Football” games will also be available to subscribers this fall.
The first will feature the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, October 26, bringing one of football’s most recognizable rivalries to the streaming platform.
A second game will be announced at a later date.
Both matchups will continue airing on ESPN and ABC, with English- and Spanish-language presentations also available through Disney+.
For viewers looking for even more football coverage, the ESPN App will continue offering every “Monday Night Football” game, alongside its Super Bowl programming.
That includes the alternative ManningCast presentation featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, as well as additional coverage leading up to the championship.
And while the game itself is undoubtedly the main attraction, Disney is preparing to make the entire week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday an event of its own.
Disney Is Bringing the Celebration Beyond the Field
Beginning February 8, ESPN will transform Santa Monica Beach into ESPN Beach, a weeklong broadcast destination supporting coverage across ESPN and ABC.
But there’s something particularly exciting planned for families visiting the area.
A free fan experience at the Santa Monica Pier will feature interactive games, immersive activities and family-friendly entertainment inspired by ESPN, ABC and Disney.
Visitors will also be able to discover themed merchandise and food offerings, bringing some of the excitement surrounding the championship into a real-world experience.
And considering Disney’s reputation for creating memorable entertainment experiences, there’s plenty of potential for families to enjoy the celebration even if they aren’t attending the game itself.
Disney has also been having a little fun with one of its most recognizable Super Bowl traditions.
For decades, football fans have associated the championship with the familiar declaration about heading to Disney World after winning the big game.
Now, ESPN and Disney are reimagining that tradition through their “We’re Going” marketing campaign, celebrating ESPN’s inaugural Super Bowl production.
The campaign’s debut advertisement features more than 60 characters from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, bringing together a rather extraordinary collection of familiar faces.
Because apparently, even some of our favorite animated heroes are getting ready for the big game.
And that’s not the only way Disney is joining the football excitement.
The company has also introduced the Disney | Champion NFL collection, combining the worlds of Disney and professional football through a new merchandise collaboration.
The collection made its debut at Fanatics Fest NYC, where a special Fan Draft featured football personalities including Tom Brady, Emmitt Smith, Rob Gronkowski and Fernando Mendoza.
A New Kind of Disney+ Game Day
The announcement represents another interesting development in how audiences experience live entertainment.
For years, streaming services have primarily been associated with movies, television series and on-demand programming. But as more live events become available through digital platforms, the line between traditional television and streaming continues to evolve.
And Disney+ is increasingly becoming a destination for more than the company’s beloved entertainment franchises.
With the addition of Super Bowl LXI, subscribers will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most-watched annual sporting events alongside the platform’s existing programming.
It’s also a fitting moment for ESPN, which will be producing its first Super Bowl broadcast after decades of covering professional football.
And the anticipation surrounding the event is already making an impression.
According to Disney, advertising inventory for the championship sold out by August 2026, marking the earliest Super Bowl advertising sellout in network history.
A total of 58 brands across 34 categories secured advertising placements, including nine companies making their Super Bowl advertising debuts.
With months still remaining before kickoff, the excitement is already building.
And for families, there’s something particularly fun about the idea of a Super Bowl celebration that stretches beyond the game itself.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, someone who watches primarily for the halftime entertainment or a family that simply enjoys gathering together for a special occasion, Super Bowl Sunday has a way of offering a little something for everyone.
Now, with Disney+ joining ABC and ESPN as a destination for the championship, there will be even more ways to participate in the festivities.
Super Bowl LXI will stream live on Disney+ on Sunday, February 14, 2027, alongside its broadcasts on ABC and ESPN.
So get those jerseys ready, start planning the game-day snacks and prepare for a little Disney magic to join one of the biggest sporting celebrations of the year.
Because this Valentine’s Day, there’s going to be plenty of love for football.
And Disney+ is ready for kickoff!
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