Super Bowl 2026 UK start time and how to watch for free after BBC and ITV snub

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The Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday night

The Super Bowl LX will kick off at 11.30pm in the UK on Sunday night(Image: Getty Images)

How to watch Super Bowl LX in the UK

1. Kick-off Schedule: The game is set to begin officially at 11:30 PM GMT on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Although the pre-game atmosphere in Santa Clara will be buzzing hours prior, British viewers should prepare for the primary action to commence just as the night draws late.
2. Free-to-Air via Channel 5: You can access the entire game without a subscription on Channel 5 , with their show getting underway at 10:30 PM. This channel utilises a specific UK-based commentary team, providing a tailored experience that differs from the standard American broadcast.
3. Premium Coverage on Sky Sports: Subscribers can find the event on Sky Sports NFL or Sky Sports Main Event , where the pre-game analysis kicks off at 10:00 PM. This platform is generally the go-to for enthusiasts seeking rigorous tactical breakdowns and a production style that mirrors the US presentation.
4. The Heavyweight Matchup: This year’s championship sees a high-stakes rematch at Levi's Stadium between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots . The narrative focuses on the evolution of both teams since their 2015 meeting, now led by emerging star Drake Maye for New England and Sam Darnold for Seattle.
5. Historic Half-time Headliner: The Apple Music Halftime Show features international icon Bad Bunny as the main attraction. His appearance marks a milestone in NFL history, as he becomes the first solo Latin artist to lead the show with an entirely Spanish-language performance.
6. Intermission Timing: The halftime festivities are predicted to get underway at roughly 1:00 AM GMT on Monday morning. Usually lasting between 13 and 15 minutes, this concert serves as the high-octane focal point of the evening's non-sporting entertainment.
7. Event Length Realities: While the actual game clock only tracks 60 minutes of play, a standard Super Bowl averages 3 hours and 12 minutes . Because of constant stoppages and the lengthened halftime break, fans should treat the broadcast as a test of endurance.
8. The Final Whistle: Following the typical duration of the event, the game is estimated to conclude around 3:00 AM GMT on Monday. It is wise to clear your morning schedule, especially if you plan to stay tuned for the Lombardi Trophy presentation and post-match player reactions.
9. Accessing the US Feed: To experience the authentic NBC broadcast - complete with its world-famous, high-budget commercials - you must use NFL Game Pass on DAZN for 99p at the link below. This remains the exclusive official method in the UK to view the original American ads as they air live.
10. Pre-Kick-off Festivities: The opening ceremony will be headlined by Green Day , while Charlie Puth has been tapped to sing the US National Anthem. Both of these performances are slated to occur during the final 30-minute lead-up to the 11:30 PM start time.
11. Mobile Streaming Choices: If you are away from a television, you can watch the free Channel 5 feed through the My5 app . Alternatively, those with a Sky subscription can utilize the Sky Go app to stream the game on their tablets or smartphones.