Super Bowl 61 logo ‘leaked’ by ESPN and conspiracy theorists think NFL ‘script’ has 2027 matchup set

Super Bowl LX has officially been and gone.

The Seattle Seahawks defense stood tall as they dominated Drake Maye and the New England Patriots 29-13 en route to only their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

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But now, all eyes are on the 2026 NFL season and Super Bowl LXI.

Set to be held in Los Angeles, California at SoFi Stadium – home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers – the logo for the biggest event in US major sports has already been revealed.

With ESPN sharing the broadcasting rights for Super Bowl 61 with ABC – the first time simulcast between the two sister networks – and the first time ESPN has ever aired the game – it appears that they leaked the logo on Sunday night.

The logo features a deep orange sky as the backdrop, with the foreground made up of what appears to be a huge bright blue, borderline teal, wave.

This wave, of course, likely signifies the various beaches in the City of Angels.

Although appearing to just be a mock up at this stage, fans have already begun speculating over whether the color scheme used could hint at the two teams who could feature in the ‘Big Game’.

“That s*** looks like a wave with a sunset, THE MIAMI DOLPHINS ARE COMING BABY,” one fan posted to X (formerly Twitter).

“That’s literally the bengals logo if you look long enough,” another wrote.

“That couldn’t be more Cincinnati and Jacksonville lol,” a third commented.

But others were not buying into such theory.

X@DomDiTommaso

“Colors definitely not working anymore bc ain’t no way the @MiamiDolphins going #NFL #SBLX #SuperBowl #SuperBowl2026,” one fan joked.

“Love how the logo went full rainbow this year—NFL said ‘no more color theories for you!’ But if we’re forcing it: blue + green = Seahawks sneaking in? Broncos or Bears for the navy? Either way, can’t wait for the chaos. Go sports!” a second added.

The Super Bowl logo is one of several NFL conspiracies that alleges that the league is scripted.

Some are of the belief that certain matchups are preordained by the league for ratings, or that teams with biggest fanbases get favorable calls as part of the so-called ‘script’ to help boost TV ratings.

It’s not true, of course, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was even forced to address reports that some teams tend to get more favorable calls than others back in 2025.

“A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they give a new life,” Goodell said.

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“It’s out there. Nobody wants it to be their theory. I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion.

“I think it also is a reminder for us how important officiating is. I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards.

“It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day, it’s something we always have to continue to work on.”

Super Bowl LX logo debunked all rumors

In the past, the Super Bowl logo conspiracy theory lies in the idea that the two main colors seen on the Super Bowl logo every season represent the teams that end up playing.

For example, in Super Bowl LVI (orange and yellow logo) the two featured teams were the Rams and the Bengals.

One year later for Super Bowl LVII (green and red logo) it was the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Even Super Bowl LIX’s logo was red and green, which some speculated would ultimately see a rematch between the two sides, which did end up coming into fruition.

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But the logo for the 60th edition attempted to rid any theories.

One of the most vibrant logos in recent memory, the centerpiece was the Golden Gate Bridge surrounded by a landscape with trees.

They used red, pick, sky blue and even a neon yellow, along with a green that just so happened to be a similar shade of green to that of the Seahawks.

But the Patriots color scheme was nowhere in sight, debunking the conspiracy theory, at least for one year anyway.

Who knows which two teams will be in Super Bowl LXI, but if it includes any one of the Bengals, Bears, Broncos, Jags, or Dolphins, then the conspiracy theories could come back with a bang.

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