Pat McAfee responds as ESPN plots ‘absolutely bonkers’ broadcasting change for 2027 Super Bowl

ESPN is taking the lead on its first Super Bowl broadcast in 2027 and bosses are determined to push boundaries.

The game at SoFi Stadium will be simulcast on ABC with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman set to be in the booth, working alongside veteran sideline reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge.

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But per Front Office Sports, the network is already planning to offer alternative streams akin to the College Football Playoff MegaCast.

During the regular season, Peyton and Eli Manning host the popular ManningCast on ESPN2 and the brothers will host a special edition.

Eli told FOS that securing guests will be a different challenge amid the media frenzy that is Super Bowl week, but the iconic former quarterbacks should have plenty of willing participants in their contact books.

Another proposal would see a Super Bowl Field Pass in tandem with The Pat McAfee Show.

McAfee’s CFP alt-cast drew 2.4 million viewers for the Rose Bowl quarterfinal — a record for any sport.

Rights approvals have been cited as a concern, but the College GameDay star appears confident.

“Source(s) tell me that the rights hurdle is very hurdle-able. Would be absolutely bonkers. #FOOTBALL.” he wrote on X.

“This has blown up a bit, that’s sweet.. this was first reported by the very fine and fair folks from @FOS,@ he added in a follow-up.

“On that note.. I, representative for myself and The Progrum, have officially added details about the Super Bowl Field Pass report. “Hurdle-able” Thank you all for following along.”

Parent company Disney could produce an animated KidsCast to draw on a huge portfolio of intellectual property.

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AFP

ESPN’s Simpsons Funday Football and Monsters Funday Football broadcasts paved the way.

Andy Tennant — a 30-year veteran — has been appointed to the new role of vice president of Super Bowl production.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for all of us. So many of us didn’t think we’d ever have the opportunity to work on an ESPN Super Bowl,” he told FOS.

“So the fact that it’s coming—and objects in the rearview mirror are a lot closer than they appear—we are so excited about this opportunity.

“It’s been amazing feeling the creative energy and enthusiasm in conference rooms and hallways. From Bristol to Burbank, it’s been infectious.”

Records tumble at Super Bowl LX

NBC Sports set an all-time record as 137.8 million viewers tuned in during the second quarter as the Seattle Seahawks took on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

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The Seahawks’ 29-13 victory averaged 124.9 million viewers on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL+.

It was the second-most watched show in U.S. history after FOX Sports’ Super Bowl LIX coverage in 2025.

Bad Bunny’s halftime show also set a record with  set a record of four billion views after the first 24 hours.

Miley Cyrus is currently favorite to take the field next year.

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