Reminder: You are allowed to say 'Super Bowl' on TV broadcasts (2024)

Such restrictions only apply to promotional purposes.
Reminder: You are allowed to say 'Super Bowl' on TV broadcasts (1) Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Local NetworksNFLBy Ben Axelrod on

Next week, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

That’s right, I said Super Bowl. Not “The Big Game.” Not “Championship Sunday.” Not “Kansas City vs. San Francisco.” I said Super Bowl.

While you may have been led to believe otherwise, you don’t actually have to be the NFL or the television station airing the game (this year it’s CBS) to say “Super Bowl.” Yes, there are some restrictions that exist — we’ll get to those in a minute. But if you hear your local non-CBS station avoiding saying “Super Bowl” in the next two weeks, just know that it’s being unnecessarily cautious.

Non-CBS stations saying “The Big Game” on repeat every. single. day. for two weeks, a tradition unlike any other! @LocalTVSPXPrbs pic.twitter.com/19KgZk1VsO

— Mike Skow (@Mike_Skow) January 29, 2024

It’s that time of year for me to remind of TWO THINGS.

1) Super Bowl is TWO WORDS. Not one. Producers, I’m looking at you and your damn lower third CGs.

2) YES, you are allowed to say the words Super Bowl. (That silly rule applies to marketing and promos. Not editorial use)

— Local Sports Anchor (@LocalTVSPXPrbs) January 29, 2024

As noted by the Local Sports Anchor X account, the use of “Super Bowl” is only prohibited for promotional use. So a non-CBS station can’t advertise a “Super Bowl Pregame Show” and a car dealership can’t run a “Super Bowl Super Sale.” But a local sports anchor saying “Super Bowl” in the context of discussing the actual matchup between the 49ers and Chiefs or the events surrounding Las Vegas next week? That’s perfectly fine.

In case you were wonder, “Super Bowl” isn’t the only term that the NFL has trademarked regarding the, um, Big Game. The following phrases are also off-limits for promotional purposes, according to the Lerman Center communications law firm:

  • “Super Bowl”
  • “Super Sunday”
  • The Super Bowl logo
  • “NFL,” “AFC,” or “NFC”
  • “National Football League”
  • “American Football Conference”
  • “National Football Conference”
  • Any team name (for example, “Chiefs” or “Packers”) or nickname

While most advertisers just resort to referring to the Super Bowl as “The Big Game,” others have taken more creative approaches. In 2014, Stephen Colbert — then with Comedy Central — advertised his week’s worth of Super Bowl coverage as “Superb Owl XLVIII.”

But again, such restrictions only apply to promotional purposes. Nevertheless, there are plenty of restrictions when it comes to airing footage of the Super Bowl, although, there are also creative means to get around those.

Reminder: You are allowed to say 'Super Bowl' on TV broadcasts (2)

About Ben Axelrod

Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.

Reminder: You are allowed to say 'Super Bowl' on TV broadcasts (2024)

FAQs

Are you allowed to say Super Bowl? ›

That's perfectly fine. In case you were wonder, “Super Bowl” isn't the only term that the NFL has trademarked regarding the, um, Big Game. The following phrases are also off-limits for promotional purposes, according to the Lerman Center communications law firm: “Super Bowl”

What can you say instead of Super Bowl? ›

What is another word for Super Bowl?
finaldecider
grand finallast leg
battle royalbattle royale
knockout roundbattle
challengecompetition
37 more rows

How to get express written consent from NFL? ›

For any other type of link to the Services, you must obtain our express written permission. To seek our permission, you may write to Legal Department, Attn: NFL.com, National Football League, 345 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10154.

What are the rules for Super Bowl ads? ›

Political advertising and most direct forms of issue-related advertising are usually not aired during the Super Bowl because of equal-time rules or other factors, while the NFL forbids ads for gambling, hard liquor, and banned substances from airing during any of its telecasts.

Why can't companies use the word Super Bowl? ›

That's because the NFL owns the trademark on 'Super Bowl', meaning businesses must pay the league to use it in their advertising campaigns or products. Firms hoping to conduct contests or promos related to the Super Bowl must obtain all necessary licenses to avoid infringing on the NFL's rights.

What is the express consent rule? ›

What is express consent. Express consent means that federally regulated financial institutions must get your permission before providing financial products or services to you. This applies to all products and services such as credit cards, lines of credit and loans. They can obtain your consent verbally or in writing.

What is an example of express written consent? ›

Here's some sample language for express written consent via web forms: By pressing “[Name of Button, i.e., 'Submit'],” I agree to receive recurring messages from [Company Name] to the provided mobile number and also agree to the [Company Name] terms and privacy policy at [link]. Message & data rates may apply.

What is required for express consent? ›

Express consent is required when there are risks for harm. Examples include going under general anesthesia or receiving chemotherapy. Many doctors use a written consent form for all procedures to protect themselves, even in cases in which implied consent applies.

How much do the half-time performers get paid at the Super Bowl? ›

Despite the euphoria surrounding the event, entertainers do not get paid to play the Super Bowl.

How much is a Super Bowl ring worth? ›

They're not free: The cost per Super Bowl ring can run anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. The New England Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX rings, for instance, cost $36,500 each. A full set of rings for a team can cost upwards of $5 million. Who pays for them: The NFL contributes $5,000 per ring for the first 150 rings.

How much does it cost to run a 30 second Super Bowl ad? ›

Inflation adjustments are to December 2023 dollars using the consumer-price index. This year's Super Bowl continues its reign as the most expensive ad real estate on television. Brands are shelling out roughly $7 million for 30 seconds of ad time.

When can you use the word Super Bowl? ›

To legally use a trademarked phrase, an exception must apply, such as when the term is being used to discuss or comment upon the event or to criticize it. (“So this discussion would be exempt — I hope,” says Mr. Vidal.) Media outlets and bloggers are exempt from being subject to charges of trademark violations.

Can you use the word Super Bowl in social media? ›

Football teams and the word “Super Bowl” are trademarked. So, they cannot sponsor your specific event unless your company establishes a business relationship with the NFL. Instead, use more general terms that give the same idea – like “the big matchup” or “game day” – when marketing events.

Can churches say Super Bowl? ›

However, you may accept donations to defray the cost of food and other supplies. To eliminate the risk of copyright infringement, your church should avoid using the logos of the NFL, the Super Bowl, and the participating teams. Referring to the NFL, the Super Bowl, or the teams by name is permissible.

Is it illegal to bet on the Super Bowl? ›

The California attorney general's office states that the law “generally prohibits wagering on the outcomes of contests between animals and/or people (including sporting events).” The only exceptions are for the state lottery and licensed card rooms, tribal casinos and horse races.

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