Laura Rutledge: ESPN's Super Bowl Broadcast Will Make NFL History

Laura Rutledge set a high bar for ESPN's Super Bowl debut.

ESPN will broadcast its first Super Bowl ever on Feb. 14, 2027. A game airing on The Worldwide Leader in Sports and ABC has the potential to achieve a ratings bonanza for Disney.

Per Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, the company has high expectations for Super Bowl 61. Rutledge said at Tuesday's Disney Upfront that ESPN expects the Super Bowl to be the most-watched one ever.

Will Super Bowl 61 make history?

It's not a shockingly bold proclamation, as the four highest-rated Super Bowls have all taken place in the last four years. Although the Seattle Seahawks annihilated the New England Patriots, Super Bowl 60 in February was second only to the previous year's lopsided contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN had the disadvantage of airing the Super Bowl on Valentine's Day. However, the timing creates another huge opportunity.

Fans have long argued that the Monday after the Super Bowl should be a national holiday. They'll get their wish next year, as Presidents' Day falls on Monday, Feb. 15.

Of course, it would help to know which teams are competing for the Lombardi Trophy. Yet ESPN has a chance to attract massive viewership numbers for Super Bowl 61.

ESPN teases Super Bowl coverage

ESPN brought out several stars for Tuesday's presentation. Rutledge, Pat McAfee, and Joe Buck were among the personalities to attend the upfronts, which also featured an appearance by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

According to Deadline's Dade Hayes, Jason Kelce introduced NFL legends Steve Young, Emmett Smith, and Nick Foles among the former players who will contribute to ESPN's coverage. Peyton and Eli Manning also showed up to promote The Big Game.

Buck and Troy Aikman will call Super Bowl 61 for ESPN and ABC. ESPN also announced two Spanish-language broadcasts of the game on Tuesday.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM.