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Top ads, news from NFL’s biggest game
Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III is Super Bowl MVP
Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
And the Super Bowl MVP is… running back Kenneth Walker III.
Walker rushed for a game-high 135 yards on 27 carries during the Seahawks’ 29-13 win over the Patriots. He also caught two passes for 26 yards and is one of only three players with multiple runs of more than 25 yards in a Super Bowl.
— Sarah Whitten
Ken is going places with Expedia
Ken takes a vacation from Barbie’s dream house in Expedia’s Super Bowl spot.
The ad features the iconic doll jet setting around the world, using Expedia’s app to purchase flights and hotels.
— Sarah Whitten
‘He Gets Us’ campaign returns with another ad
In the final moments of the broadcast, the evangelical groups behind the “He Gets Us” campaign poke at consumerism and greed to ask, “Is there more to life than more?”
It’s the fourth straight year the group has advertised in the Super Bowl, and the controversial campaign has come under fire in prior years for political messages.
— Sarah Jackson
The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champs
Seattle Seahawks’ players celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026.
Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images
The Seattle Seahawks have won Super Bowl 60. The Oregon-based team secured the win against the New England Patriots with a score of 29-13.
— Sarah Whitten
Hims & Hers calls America’s wealth gap a ‘health gap’
Hims & Hers Health is back at the Super Bowl — a year after airing its polarizing ad that critics accused of oversimplifying U.S. health care — with a provocative message: “Rich people live longer.”
The 60-second ad features a Jeff Bezos-like figure wearing a blue spacesuit and a lookalike of millionaire and longevity researcher Bryan Johnson. Luxury elective care treatments — from red light therapy to IV drips and cosmetic skin procedures — take center stage before the company touts its own diagnostic testing.
In a statement the company said: “The campaign centers on the uncomfortable truth that America’s healthcare is a tale of two systems: one elite, proactive tier for the wealthy, and a broken, reactive one for everyone else.”
— Brandon Gomez
Patriots add six points
New England Patriots’ running back #38 Rhamondre Stevenson celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026.
Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images
A late fourth-quarter touchdown for the Patriots came courtesy of a short shovel pass from QB Drake Maye to running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
New England attempted a two-point conversion, but the pass to tight end Hunter Henry was incomplete. Seahawks lead 29-13 with a little more than two minutes left in regulation.
— Sarah Whitten
Wegovy advertises GLP-1 pill with Kenan Thompson, DJ Khaled and more
Novo Nordisk, the makers of GLP-1 medication Wegovy, took out a 90-second ad with several celebrities advertising its new weight loss medication. The commercial features Kenan Thompson, DJ Khaled, John C. Reilly, Danielle Brooks, Ana Gasteyer and Danny Trejo promoting the new oral pill form of the weight management medication, which is more commonly administered as an injection.
— Sarah Jackson
Trump rails against Bad Bunny halftime show, NFL kickoff rule
Bad Bunny performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Neilson Barnard | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
President Donald Trump called Bad Bunny’s halftime performance “one of the worst, EVER!,” saying in a Truth Social post that the dancing was “disgusting” and that the Grammy-winner’s show “makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America.”
In his post, Trump also criticized the NFL’s new kickoff rule and touted stock market gains during his second presidency.
— Leslie Josephs
Seahawks defense blitz, recover fumble for touchdown
Seattle Seahawks’ linebacker #07 Uchenna Nwosu scores a touchdown during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026. (Photo by
Josh Edelson | Afp | Getty Images
Seattle’s defense added another touchdown during the fourth quarter Sunday. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu recovered the ball after a hit on Patriot’s quarterback Drake Maye. He ran it down the field for six points.
With yet another kick through the uprights, Seahawks now lead 29-7.
— Sarah Whitten
Myers nails fifth field goal, a Super Bowl record
Jason Myers #5 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks his fifth field goal of the game against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Ishika Samant | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers made Super Bowl history Sunday, setting a record for the most field goals during the big game. Myers tapped in a fifth three-pointer in the mid-fourth quarter to bring Seattle’s lead to 22-7.
— Sarah Whitten
MrBeast is giving away $1 million in this Salesforce ad
This ad comes with $1 million for one lucky winner. MrBeast says he’s giving away the prize to the first viewer who finds a secret code in this Salesforce commercial, which may contain some cryptic clues, and messages it to him on Slack via the QR code at the end of the clip.
— Sarah Jackson
Cadillac embarks on F1
Cadillac is out with a Super Bowl ad for its F1 racing team, set to join the grid this season.
The spot featured a sleek, silver racing car against a desert backdrop with a simple tagline: “The mission begins.”
— Sara Salinas
Hellmann’s introduces ‘Meal Diamond’ to put the spotlight on sandwiches
Hellmann’s ad puts the spotlight on sandwiches, thanks to a parody version of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
In the spot, “Meal Diamond,” played by actor and comedian Andy Samberg, sings the song in a diner, getting the crowd on their feet. Academy Award-nominated actress Elle Fanning also stars in the spot, as a customer who rejects Meal Diamond.
The Unilever mayonnaise brand is a Super Bowl mainstay. The brand’s commercial last year also took place in a diner — New York’s iconic Katz’s Deli, where actors Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal recreated a scene from their film “When Harry Met Sally.”
— Amelia Lucas
Patriots on the board
Mack Hollins #13 of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown reception against Riq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Ronald Martinez | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
New England quarterback Drake Maye slung a long ball to wide receiver Mack Hollins for the first score of the game for the Patriots.
The score now stands at 19-7, with the Seahawks in the lead.
— Sarah Whitten
AJ Barner scores first TD of Super Bowl 60
AJ Barner #88 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Ronald Martinez | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold connected with tight end AJ Barner for the first touchdown of the game.
Seattle leads 19-0.
— Sarah Whitten
Lay’s is giving away 100,000 bags of chips
In the second of two Super Bowl ads for Lay’s, the potato chip brand is giving fans a chance to win the freshest bag of chips that they’ve ever had.
The company told AdWeek that it plans to give away 100,00 bags of its chips as part of the contest.
The PepsiCo brand, which recently underwent a makeover, is the latest company to use a QR code to get the audience’s attention. In 2022, Coinbase became the first Super Bowl advertiser to do so, with a simple commercial showing a floating QR code that redirected people to a link offering $15 in bitcoin to sign up for an account.
— Amelia Lucas
Chris Hemsworth vs. Alexa+
Chris Hemsworth faces off against his biggest foe yet — AI.
The action star and Marvel darling is featured in Amazon’s Super Bowl ad for its new Alexa+ system alongside his wife Elsa Pataky. The spot shows Hemsworth comedically detailing all the ways Alexa could kill him using integrated technology.
— Sarah Whitten
Kalshi co-founder says predictions platform is seeing delays
During prediction platform Kalshi’s biggest foray into football, its cofounder says the platform is experiencing some issues.
“Some deposits are delayed because of the amount of traffic and deposits we’re getting. Your money is safe and on the way, it will just take longer to land,” Luana Lopes Lara said in a post on X.
Kalshi didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on what issues users might be reporting.
— Sara Salinas
Pokémon celebrates 30 years
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Pokémon tapped singer Lady Gaga, comedian Trevor Noah, actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Formula One driver Charles Leclerc, Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal, rapper Young Miko and Black Pink’s Jisoo for a Super Bowl spot.
The celebrities took turn describing their favorite Pokémon. Gaga is all about Jigglypuff, Noah is paired with Psyduck, Ramakrishnan’s is Luxray, Jisoo likes Eevee, Young Miko loves Gengar, Yamal picks Zygarde and Leclerc is a fan of Arcanine.
Who’s your favorite?
— Sarah Whitten
Ritz ad features salty visitors to ‘Ritz Island’
In its second-ever Super Bowl ad, Ritz is leaning into salt.
SNL alumnus Bowen Yang and actor Jon Hamm star as two disagreeable guests on “Ritz Island” who plot to crash a party just to enjoy the Mondelez-owned snack. Scarlett Johansson also stars.
Ritz’s foray into the big game comes as its parent company tries to modernize the classic cracker. Mondelez has said it aims to make Ritz a top five savory snack brand.
— Amelia Lucas
Comcast’s cable guy goes to Jurassic Park in Super Bowl ad
Comcast is sending one of its cable guys to “Jurassic Park.”
The cable giant’s Xfinity business — which provides pay TV, broadband and mobile services — made its Super Bowl debut with a commercial that pulls scenes from the first “Jurassic Park” film.
While the focus of the ad is Comcast’s broadband business — the service representative is imposed into scenes from the original film, saving the day with simple fixes like plugging in an Xfinity modem and router — the commercial grabs from other parts of the Comcast empire, too.
“Jurassic Park” lives in Comcast’s NBCUniversal library, and at one point, its streaming platform Peacock makes an appearance.
Comcast’s broadband business has been in the midst of a strategy shift as it continues to face heated competition from 5G providers.
— Lillian Rizzo
Budweiser gets warm and fuzzy during the Super Bowl
Budweiser is leaning on a baby bird to lift spirits during its Super Bowl ad this year.
The beer company marked its 48th national appearance during the big game with an ad featuring a young Clydesdale — an icon of Bud ads — that becomes unlikely friends with a baby bird. With Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” as the soundtrack, and the baby bird eventually growing into a bald eagle, Budweiser tapped into the Americana theme that’s been prevalent across the ad slate this year.
— Lillian Rizzo
Ring tugs on heartstrings with Search Party for dogs
Ring wants you to know it does more than tell you who’s at the door.
This year’s commercial from the Amazon-owned doorbell camera highlights its Search Party feature, which has the capability of reuniting lost dogs with their families. The company is making the software available to non-Ring owners for the first time.
Ring — which says Search Party has already brought home more than one dog per day since launching —has also committed to donating Ring cameras to every animal shelter in the U.S.
— Lillian Rizzo
Singer Sabrina Carpenter builds her perfect man in Pringles spot
All pop star Sabrina Carpenter needs to create the perfect man is a couple of Pringles cylinders. But the cheeky spot has a bittersweet ending. When diehard Pringles fans tackle Carpenter’s boyfriend, she consoles herself by eating some of the chips.
While Pringles is a regular Super Bowl advertiser, this year’s spot is the first since the brand was bought by Mars. The food giant, known for M&M’s and Skittles, completed its acquisition of Pringles parent Kellanova late last year.
— Amelia Lucas
Google Gemini gives us another AI commercial
The Super Bowl AI ads just keep coming. This one is courtesy of Google Gemini.
A mother and her son test out possible layouts for his room and their backyard in their new home after moving in this ad for the AI assistant. Gemini draws from their Google Photos of their old and new homes and uses generative fill to suggest possibilities.
— Sarah Jackson
Charli xcx and Rachel Sennott vibe for Poppi
“Brat” singer Charli xcx and comedian Rachel Sennott are just here for the vibes in prebiotic soda brand Poppi’s ad.
— Sarah Jackson
Seahawks punch in fourth field goal, lead 12-0
Seattle Seahawks’ kicker #05 Jason Myers scores a field goal during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026.
Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images
Another field goal for Seattle.
A battle of defenses has resulted, once again, in a three point score for the Seahawks. They now lead 12-0.
— Sarah Whitten
Rob Gronkowski stars in cheeky Novartis ad for prostate cancer blood test
Novartis is airing a cheeky ad titled “Relax your tight end” for its finger-free test for prostate cancer.
The clip features current and former NFL tight ends, including Rob Gronkowski, chilling by the pool, painting and swinging in hammocks, all set to Enya’s meme-famous “Only Time.”
Former NFL head coach Bruce Arians, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer himself, talks about the blood test before he and Gronkowski ride off into the sunset on horseback.
— Sarah Jackson
A message of unity from Bad Bunny
Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny performs during Super Bowl LX Patriots vs Seahawks Apple Music Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026.
Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images
Bad Bunny closed out his salsa- and reggaeton-filled Super Bowl Halftime Show on his hit “DtMF,” walking back through the sugar-cane set, naming the countries of Latin America, Canada and the United States, “and my homeland, Puerto Rico.”
He held a football that said, “Together we are America.” Behind him was a stadium screen that read: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” calling back to his Grammy acceptance speech from a week earlier.
— Leslie Josephs
Matthew Broderick has an AI solution for Super Sick Monday with Genspark
Calling in sick the day after the Super Bowl? Matthew Broderick encourages people to take Super Sick Monday off by putting AI workspace Genspark to work for them instead in yet another AI commercial this Super Bowl.
— Sarah Jackson
Melissa McCarthy enters a telenovela for E.l.f. cosmetics
In October, Bad Bunny joked that English speakers had four months to learn Spanish before his Super Bowl halftime performance. E.l.f. Beauty took note — and was inspired to create “Melisa,” a 30-second spot to promote its Glow Reviver Lip Oil.
The campaign features Melissa McCarthy as Melisa in a fictional telenovela where she has to learn Spanish before the big concert that night. The ad features iconic telenovela tropes like hypersaturated color and unnatural lighting as well as amnesia, an attractive doctor and a romantic rival.
— Sarah Whitten
‘Will Shat’? William Shatner tackles the fiber gap with Kellogg’s Raisin Bran
William Shatner is serious about fiber. The “Star Trek” star teamed up with Kellogg’s to promote gut health with its cereal brand Raisin Bran.
In the Super Bowl spot, Shatner is tasked with bringing fiber to the masses, beaming to and from different locations on Earth to deliver boxes of Raisin Bran.
— Sarah Whitten
Svedka debuts primarily AI-generated Super Bowl ad, and it’s ‘super freaky’
Vodka brand Svedka reboots its famous Fembot after 12 years in its commercial, which is primarily AI-generated.
Fembot and Brobot make drinks and dance to “Super Freak,” and the results are indeed “super freaky.”
— Sarah Jackson
Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin make surprise cameos
Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga perform onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin made surprise appearances during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.
Gaga sang a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile” with a Latin flair, while Martin appeared and belted out “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.”
Ricky Martin performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Bad Bunny takes the stage
Bad Bunny performs onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Neilson Barnard | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
It’s halftime, America, and Bad Bunny took the stage at Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show.
The Puerto Rican artist walked through a makeshift field of sugar cane, passed a stand of Puerto Rican piraguas, or shaved ice and kicked off the show with “Tití Me Preguntó.”
— Michele Luhn and Leslie Josephs
Rolling down that hill with Bud Light
Peyton Manning, Post Malone and Shane Gillis star in Bud Light’s Super Bowl ad as wedding guests looking for beer to celebrate the nuptials.
The ceremony turns into something reminiscent of the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, as the last keg tumbles down a nearby hill and the entire wedding party follows.
— Sarah Whitten
Fanatics Sportsbook bets on Kendall Jenner for laughs
Fanatics Sportsbook bet on Kendall Jenner this Super Bowl — and it appeared to have paid off early.
In the days leading up to the big game, Jenner’s spicy appearance in the commercial made the rounds on social media. Jenner taps into the lore that she curses her pro basketball ex-boyfriends, saying that betting against them has made her more money than being a model.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin has been expanding the business in every possible way and in addition to the sportsbook, recently launched a prediction market platform in 24 states.
— Lillian Rizzo
Toyota goes for sentimentality with ‘superhero belt’
Toyota Motor decided to tug on heartstrings as well as seatbelts in one of its two Super Bowl ads, called “Superhero Belt.”
The 30-second spot features the automaker’s popular RAV4 crossover. It starts with a child being buckled into one of the first generations of the vehicle by his grandfather, who tells him to use his “superhero belt.”
It then fasts forwards to present day, where the child is taking the grandfather for a ride in the 2026 Toyota RAV4, reminding him to buckle up his “superhero belt.”
— Michael Wayland
Kathryn Hahn pushes San Francisco trolley — and protein shakes — in Oikos spot
The protein craze has hit the Super Bowl.
Oikos is putting the spotlight on its protein-packed yogurt and smoothies in its 30-second spot this year, airing exclusively on Peacock. This marks the Danone yogurt brand’s seventh straight Super Bowl appearance, although it is the first time that it has aired a streaming-only ad.
When a San Francisco trolley starts slipping down one of the city’s famous hills, actress Kathryn Hahn saves the day. Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry holds onto her protein shake for her.
— Amelia Lucas
Coinbase says ‘Crypto is for everybody’
If your TV turned into a karaoke lyric screen during Super Bowl 60, you’re not alone.
Coinbase, an American cryptocurrency exchange, used brightly colored backgrounds and highlighted colored text set to the tune of “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys to advertise its services.
— Sarah Whitten
Star-studded Dunkin’ ad riffs on ‘Good Will Hunting’
Dunkin’ brings a retro vibe to its “Good Will Dunkin’” ad with a slew of celebs from popular sitcoms and movies of the ’80s, ’90s, and aughts.
The commercial, set in February 1995, features Ben Affleck, Jason Alexander of “Seinfeld,” Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc from “Friends,” Jasmine Guy of “A Different World,” Jaleel White of “Family Matters,” Alfonso Ribeiro of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Ted Danson of “Cheers.”
New England Patriots legend Tom Brady also makes a cameo.
— Sarah Jackson
Seahawks extend lead to 9-0
The New England Patriots once again kept the Seattle Seahawks out of the endzone, forcing a third field goal.
Jason Myers kicked true, extending his team’s lead to 9-0.
— Sarah Whitten
Liquid I.V. asks: What color is your urine?
What color is your urine? That’s what Liquid I.V. asks in its Super Bowl ad.
The electrolyte drink mix company’s spot features dozens of singing toilets crooning to Phil Collin’s “Against All Odds” and poses the question: are you properly hydrated?
— Sarah Whitten
Kinder Bueno makes Super Bowl debut
Kinder Bueno is making its Super Bowl debut with a 30-second spot that plays on the Spanish phrase, “no bueno.”
As a spaceship hurtles out of control, astronauts and mission control trade off saying “no bueno” and “yes, bueno” while handling the crisis and munching on the candy. Reality TV personality Paige DeSorbo and “Armageddon” actor William Fichtner star.
The ad is part of parent company Ferrero’s broader push into the United States. This year, the company’s North American subsidiary plans to spend more than $100 million on marketing campaigns tied to the Super Bowl and World Cup. In late September, Ferrero also completed its acquisition of WK Kellogg, adding its suite of cereals to a portfolio that also includes Nutella and Tic Tac.
— Amelia Lucas
Microsoft makes a football ad for its AI assistant, Copilot
A football scout uses Microsoft Copilot in Excel to sift through data to gradually narrow down the best linebacker prospects. Many tech giants and smaller AI labs are advertising their agents and chatbots in this year’s Super Bowl.
— Sarah Jackson
Adrien Brody makes a moody ad within an ad for TurboTax
In this ad within an ad, Adrien Brody sets a moody scene walking through pouring rain as he says only death and taxes are guaranteed in life, but “at least death only happens to you once.”
A director cuts to tell Brody to dial it down and be less dramatic — TurboTax Experts takes the drama out of taxes, after all — and after a brief existential crisis, Brody storms off, yelling to cue the rain on his way out.
— Sarah Jackson
Levi’s shows it’s ‘behind every original’ with Doechii
We’re looking at a lot of people’s backsides in this one. The Levi’s Super Bowl commercial shows a supercut of many people’s behinds as they don Levi’s jeans with the iconic red tab. Most aren’t recognizable, except for Woody’s from “Toy Story,” and “Anxiety” rapper Doechii, who closes out the ad looking at the camera.
The point: Levi’s is “behind every original.”
— Sarah Jackson
From ‘just a guy’ to Guy Fieri with Bosch
Have you ever wondered what Guy Fieri would look like as a normal guy? Bosch has you covered this Super Bowl.
The appliance company, which makes everything from drills to dishwashers, tapped the Food Network star for Sunday’s spot. In the ad, a regular guy (Guy Fieri in a wig) interacts with Bosch’s products and transforms into Guy Fieri.
— Sarah Whitten
Matthew McConaughey and Bradley Cooper argue over the ‘foodball’ conspiracy for Uber Eats
Are goalposts modeled after forks missing their inner tines? Is the Pro Football Hall of Fame one big orange juicer?
In Uber Eats’ Super Bowl ad, Matthew McConaughey tries to convince a skeptical Bradley Cooper that football, nay “foodball,” is just one big conspiracy to sell food.
— Sarah Jackson
Nerds taps Andy Cohen for Juicy Gummy Clusters ad
TV host Andy Cohen doesn’t just love juicy gossip, he’s a big fan of the new Juicy Gummy Clusters from Nerds.
Cohen appears in the Super Bowl spot alongside a giant CGI gummy cluster, lounging by the pool before getting dressed for a big Hollywood premiere.
— Sarah Whitten
Twice upon a time in Hollywood?
Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth in “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” a follow-up film to Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Netflix dropped a trailer for the upcoming flick during the Big Game’s first quarter. The short teaser was set to retro music and the sepia-toned look of its predecessor, although it appears to be giving ’70s vibes rather than the ’60s seen in the original film.
All R-rated references were censored in a cheeky fashion with an animated scribble blocking out nude women, alcohol, cigarettes and guns. No date was set for the film’s release, but it will be directed by David Fincher.
— Sarah Whitten
WeatherTech introduces new products for extra vehicle storage
WeatherTech shows off its array of storage products for vehicles, including floor liners, seat protectors, no-drill mud flaps, hitch baskets for bulky gear and roof baskets for added capacity on top of your car.
— Sarah Jackson
Unilever’s Dove highlights girls’ sports in 30-second spot
Unilever’s Dove ad brings the beat, highlighting the role that confidence and joy bring to girls’ sports.
The spot carries on Dove’s long-running focus on improving women’s and girls’ self esteem. The soap brand’s “Real Beauty” campaign kicked off more than two decades ago.
This marks the third straight year that Dove has appeared in the Super Bowl — and the third year that the brand has chosen to spotlight girls’ confidence.
— Amelia Lucas
Redfin’s and Lady Gaga’s ode to neighbors
Lady Gaga sings “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” in a joint Super Bowl ad for Rocket Companies-owned Redfin.
The song plays as neighbors help find a lost dog, chop down a fallen tree after a storm and pick up dropped groceries, among other neighborly gestures.
— Sarah Whitten
Seahawks extend lead to 6-0
The Seattle Seahawks put another one through the uprights early in the second quarter. The successful field goal brings the score to 6-0.
— Sarah Whitten
Pepsi wins over Coca-Cola’s polar bear mascot
More than a century ago, Coca-Cola staked its claim on polars bears with a French advertisement. But now, arch rival PepsiCo is claiming to have won them over in a blind taste test, sparking an existential crisis for the mascot.
The 45-second spot also parodies the now-infamous “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert in July and features a cameo from filmmaker Taika Waititi.
As the challenger brand, Pepsi often takes aim at Coke in its advertisements, but the Super Bowl ad is its most direct shot in years and could reignite the decades-long “Cola Wars.”
For its part, Coke hasn’t advertised during the Super Bowl since 2020. But the beverage giant gets the last laugh. Its namesake drink is still the best-selling soda. Plus, Sprite, another one of its brands, leapfrogged Pepsi last year to become the third most popular soda, trailing only Coke and Dr Pepper.
— Amelia Lucas
T-Mobile calls on Backstreet Boys in Super Bowl spot
The Backstreet Boys put a twist on their big hit, “I Want It That Way,” for T-Mobile’s Super Bowl ad.
In the commercial, the ’90s boy band appears in one of T-Mobile’s stores in Times Square, serenading fans about why T-Mobile is better than other mobile carriers. “Tell me why it’s America’s best network?” the band croons to a crowd of fans dancing in pink confetti.
— Lillian Rizzo
‘Minions & Monsters’ trailer
Universal unleashed a new trailer for the upcoming “Minions & Monsters” film during the Super Bowl.
The film is due out in theaters July 1.
— Sarah Whitten
Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos collaborate again, this time for Squarespace
In her first Super Bowl ad, Emma Stone tries to get a website domain in her name but repeatedly finds it’s already taken and lashes out at her devices in frustration.
The black-and-white ad, called “Unavailable,” is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, whom Stone has worked with on several films, including “Bugonia” and “Kinds of Kindness.”
— Sarah Jackson
Meta and Oakley feature Marshawn Lynch, Spike Lee in ‘athletic intelligence’ ad
The ad for the new Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses features the likes of Marshawn Lynch and Spike Lee turning to the eyewear with questions as they do various activities like skydiving, skateboarding and running with vultures.
One such question is, “Hey Meta, do vultures eat people?”
— Sarah Jackson
Lay’s highlights its farmers and potatoes in touching spot
Lay’s puts the focus on its farmers in a sentimental 60-second spot showing a father handing over the keys to the potato farm to his daughter after one last harvest.
It’s one of two ads that the PepsiCo brand planned to air during the game.
Pepsi recently gave the potato chip brand a makeover, redesigning its packaging to highlight the “real potatoes” in the snack. The company also announced on Tuesday that it is cutting the prices of Lay’s and other snack brands by about 15%, all in a bid to win back price-conscious shoppers.
— Amelia Lucas
Heidi Gardner and Jeff Goldblum star in Apartments.com ad
SNL alum Heidi Gardner and actor Jeff Goldblum find themselves in far-out places in their ad for Apartments.com and Homes.com, like the depths of the Mariana Trench, a sand dune experiencing a haboob dust storm and a decommissioned space shuttle. Both have previously starred in Super Bowl commercials for the real estate listing sites.
— Sarah Jackson
Liquid Death
Energy drinks got your head exploding? Liquid Death has a solution.
The water company posted an ad for its Liquid Death Sparkling Energy product on Sunday showcasing the zero sugar beverage.
— Sarah Whitten
Wix unveils new builder Harmony that lets you vibe code your website to life
Wix shows off its new website builder, Wix Harmony, that lets you use vibe coding and an AI agent, Aria, to build your site. Users still have full manual control to drag and drop elements of their site.
— Sarah Jackson
Ro takes a big swing with Serena Williams
Serena Williams is front and center at the Super Bowl for a second year in a row.
Ro, the direct-to-consumer health company that offers access to GLP-1 medications, employed the tennis phenom to tell her weight loss story as part of its big game spot.
Last year Ro had “dipped its toes into advertising” for the Super Bowl with a streaming-only ad, Will Flaherty, senior vice president of growth at Ro, told CNBC. This year Ro stepped it up to the traditional broadcast and anchored its ads with Williams, who made a surprise appearance during last year’s halftime performance by rapper Kendrick Lamar.
Ro’s CEO touted the ad — and said the high cost of a Super Bowl spot pays off — in a recent blog post.
— Lillian Rizzo
Kurt Russell is the ULTRA Instructor
Lewis Pullman’s “Greg” keeps losing friendly ski races with Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim and Olympic ice hockey player T.J. Oshie, resulting in him having to foot the bill for their Michelob Ultras.
Then Kurt Russell comes along as a cowboy hat-wearing ski guru who guides Greg in a Mr. Miyagi-style training montage.
— Sarah Whitten
Benson Boone and Ben Stiller have a flip-off for Instacart
“Mystical Magical” singer Benson Boone and “Zoolander” actor Ben Stiller star as brothers who are also part of a Europop duo in Instacart’s Super Bowl ad.
During a performance, Boone does a flip and Stiller attempts to one-up him, jumping from increasingly higher platforms on stage to disastrous, but humorous, effect.
— Sarah Whitten
‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ trailer
Disney unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ film.
This is the first theatrical Star Wars debut since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker” and marks the first time the Mandalorian and his ward Grogu will appear on the big screen. The film arrives in theaters May 22.
— Sarah Whitten
DraftKings ad features SNL’s Colin Jost and Michael Che
It’s all part of the plan when Colin Jost and Michael Che, hosts of SNL’s “Weekend Update,” make a live commercial gone wrong for sports betting platform DraftKings. Super Bowl 60 has already seen several other sports betting ads so far.
— Sarah Jackson
Toyota looks at ‘where dreams began’ with athletes’ younger selves
Toyota’s inspirational ad centers on “where dreams began.”
It features three Team Toyota athletes — NFL wide receiver Puka Nacua, U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace — meeting their mini-me younger selves who aspired to greatness.
— Sarah Jackson
Seattle Seahawks score first
Jason Myers #5 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Ishika Samant | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Seattle tapped in a 33-yard field goal on their first possession. The Seahawks lead 3-0.
— Sarah Whitten
State Farm channels Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ with star-studded ad
State Farm brings the star power for its Super Bowl commercial, featuring actress and wife of Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld, seeking coverage from the fictitious Halfway There Insurance, started by comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride.
The comic duo turn back the clock with mullets and rock out to “Livin’ on a Prayer,” complete with a surprise appearance by girl group Katseye.
— Sarah Jackson
‘Scream 7’ trailer
Ahead of Sunday’s kickoff, Paramount shared an all-new trailer for the upcoming film “Scream 7.”
Due in theaters later this month, the sequel film brings back final girl Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott as well as Matthew Lillard, who starred in the original back in 1996.
— Sarah Whitten
‘Disclosure Day’ trailer
Steven Spielberg returns to the big screen on June 12 with his new film “Disclosure Day.”
The Universal film stars Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo and centers around the concept of what would happen if Earth found out humans weren’t alone in the universe.
— Sarah Whitten
Patriots win the toss
Football – NFL – Super Bowl LX – New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, United States – February 8, 2026 Referee Shawn Smith talks to players before the game.
Carlos Barria | Reuters
The New England Patriots have won the coin toss. They have opted to defer.
This means that Seattle Seahawks will receive the first kick-off and the Patriots will get the ball to start the second half.
— Sarah Whitten
Trump accounts get Super Bowl spotlight
An ad for Trump accounts aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday as part of a massive push to spread awareness about the new savings accounts for children.
In a 30-second spot — paid for by Invest America, a nonprofit advocacy group — children tout the virtues of so-called Trump accounts, also known as 530A accounts, which were created as part of President Donald Trumps’ “big beautiful bill.”
Along with a billboard in New York’s Times Square and a Trump Account Summit, which was livestreamed from Washington on Jan. 28, the Trump administration is pulling out all the stops to get the word out about the pilot program.
The Trump account commercial ran during the pregame broadcast Sunday, though Invest America posted a preview of the ad on X on Thursday.
— Jessica Dickler and Kate Dore
Sofía Vergara for Skechers
Shoes fly in Skechers’ Super Bowl ad starring “Modern Family” actress Sofía Vergara.
Vergara tosses shoes with laces out the window and into the pool as she touts how easy it is to put on Skechers’ hands-free slip-ins.
— Sarah Whitten
Brandi Carlile and Charlie Puth perform after the teams take the field
Brandi Carlile (C) performs “America the Beautiful” during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
After the teams took the field, Grammy Award-winning “The Story” singer Brandi Carlile sung “America the Beautiful” as part of the pregame entertainment before kickoff, followed by Charlie Puth singing the national anthem.
Charlie Puth performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Out of the locker room…
The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks have taken the field. The two teams faced off against each other 11 years ago during Super Bowl 49, with the Patriots hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the night.
Introduced by long-time fan and Marvel star Chris Pratt, the Seahawks are led by quarterback Sam Darnold and a strong defense.
Jon Bon Jovi did the honors in announcing the arrival of the Patriots, who have Drake Maye at the helm as quarterback and the newly minted AP Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel.
— Sarah Whitten
Brian Baumgartner comes back as Kevin Malone from ‘The Office,’ famous chili and all
Brian Baumgartner reprises his role as everyone’s favorite accountant from “The Office,” Kevin Malone, in his ad for fintech startup Ramp.
Overwhelmed with work, he starts using Ramp and dozens of Kevin clones appear out of nowhere, helping divide and conquer. The ad ends with two Kevins recreating an iconic scene, carefully transporting a vat of his famous chili through the office; this time, it stops short of the spill.
— Sarah Jackson
Manscaped makes a hairy debut during the big game
Manscaped is depending on discarded hairballs to get its message across.
The men’s grooming company is using its debut in the Super Bowl as an opportunity to tell customers that it has grown beyond the foundation of its business.
“Manscaped is a brand that has been around for a few years now, but we’re at this very important moment in our trajectory, which is a big push for products beyond the groin, which is our first claim to fame,” Chief Marketing Officer Marcelo Kertesz told CNBC in an earlier interview. “We have something new to communicate to the world.”
The commercial features men shaving hair from every part of their body, and the remains singing a ballad about life after leaving the follicle.
— Lillian Rizzo
An unprecedented number of AI companies are advertising in the Super Bowl
Artificial intelligence companies are investing lots of money and resources into advertisements at this year’s Super Bowl.
Anthropic and OpenAI are joined by a multitude of other tech companies in advertising this year, taking the space of some of the biggest categories as traditional companies, like automakers, retreat slightly.
Google, Amazon and Meta are just some of the companies advertising this year, joined by smaller AI companies like Genspark and Wix, too.
This year’s Super Bowl ads cost a record $8 million on average for a 30-second spot, with some reaching as high as $10 million.
– Laya Neelakandan and Julia Boorstin
GrubHub Super Bowl debut pledges to ‘eat the fees’
The ads are rolling pregame.
GrubHub’s Super Bowl debut, directed by “Bugonia” filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, stars George Clooney as the bearer of good news: GrubHub will eat the fees. The promotion pledges to cover delivery and service for orders over $50.
Wonder, founded by billionaire Marc Lore, has owned the delivery service for about a year, one of many splashy acquisitions made by the delivery and takeout concept. Under its new ownership, GrubHub has been trying to regain the market share it has ceded to DoorDash and Uber Eats.
— Amelia Lucas
Anthropic and OpenAI spar over Super Bowl campaign
The Seahawks and the Patriots aren’t the only ones squaring off this Super Bowl.
Anthropic took aim at its rival, OpenAI, with its first Super Bowl ad campaign.
The artificial intelligence startup announced this week that it will not introduce ads to its Claude chatbot, just weeks after OpenAI said it will begin testing ads for some users within ChatGPT.
Anthropic’s Super Bowl campaign centers around its decision to keep Claude ad-free. It’s airing a 60-second pregame ad and a 30-second in-game ad that both feature the tag line, “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to the ads in a post on X, calling them “funny” but “clearly dishonest.”
“We would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them,” Altman wrote. “We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that.”
— Ashley Capoot
Unilever makes its biggest-ever Super Bowl buy as U.S. becomes center of its business
Dove logo is seen on the product packaging at the shop in Krakow, Poland on January 17, 2022.
Nurphoto | Getty Images
For the first time ever, Unilever plans to run three separate ads during this year’s big game, showing the British company’s increased focus on the U.S. as the center of its growth strategy.
The consumer giant will air spots for Hellmann’s, Dove and Liquid I.V. While they represent only three brands out of the hundreds owned by the company, each represents a distinct product category that is important to its U.S. business: food, personal care and wellbeing.
The U.S. currently accounts for more than a fifth of Unilever’s sales, according to company filings. About 95% of U.S. households use at least one of Unilever’s products, according to the company.
But the company’s big Super Bowl bet shows that it isn’t content with those numbers, and it is counting on the game’s massive audience to buy its products after seeing the spots.
“I do think the nation stops to a degree when the Super Bowl comes together,” said Herrish Patel, President of Unilever USA and CEO of the company’s North American personal care division. “Eighty percent of that [audience of] 127 million actually watch the commercials.”
— Amelia Lucas
Streaming opens the door to small brands buying ads
NBCUniversal Peacock
Todd Williamson | Peacock | NBCUniversal | Getty Images
It’s no secret that buying a spot in the Super Bowl costs big bucks. But now that the game is also streamed in addition to the traditional TV broadcast, smaller brands have a more affordable entry point to get in front of millions of viewers during the biggest live event on TV every year.
Viewers who watch the game on Peacock will see all the big commercials the Super Bowl is known for — and a smaller subset of ads earmarked as streaming-only.
This year that’s allowed brands like cowboy boots maker Tecovas and family location safety app Life360 to advertise for the first time during the Super Bowl. Last year, healthcare startup Ro bought a streaming-only ad. This year Ro decided to buy placement during the traditional telecast, and scored tennis superstar Serena Williams for the commercial.
Streaming-only spots make up about 10% of the full ad inventory during the big game, and cost about half of what a traditional TV commercial goes for, Mark Marshall, NBC Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships, told CNBC.
“So cheaper, but still not cheap,” said Marshall. “And part of it is also you don’t have many of these spots, right? So I think people caught on to this trick over the past couple years, and it’s done really well in streaming. And as a result, a lot of people are lining up and wanting to do that.”
These ads, which appear nationally, fill the same slots that air regional commercials during the TV network broadcast.
— Lillian Rizzo
Trump laments former Patriots coach Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub
Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning Super Bowl XXXVIII, 01 February 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29 to win the game.
Jeff Haynes | AFP | Getty Images
President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC News prior to the game that it was “terrible” that former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn’t get a first-ballot election into the NFL Hall of Fame.
“I thought it was terrible,” Trump said in the hourlong interview with “NBC Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas. “He’s won so much, won so many Super Bowls. Great coach.”
“Well, you know, you have a great career and he has had a little bit of a controversial year and a half, two years maybe,” Trump added. “But what difference does that make? “He should be in there right at the top.”
— Leslie Josephs
New York AG warns about risks of prediction markets ahead of Super Bowl
Attorney General Letitia James listens as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference at her NYC office on Oct. 16, 2025 in New York City.
Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
Just days before the Super Bowl, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about the risks associated with prediction markets.
“New Yorkers need to know the significant risks with unregulated prediction markets,” James said in a statement Monday. “It’s crystal clear: so-called prediction markets do not have the same consumer protections as regulated platforms. I urge all New Yorkers to be cautious of these platforms to protect their money.”
Kalshi responded in a statement saying the platforms are regulated by the CFTC.
“We all want the same thing: safe, fair and legitimate products,” Kalshi’s statement read.
– Laya Neelakandan and Alex Sherman
NFL could look to renegotiate media rights after the Super Bowl
NFL boss Roger Goodell speaks at a press conference before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Maximilian Haupt | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
While the NFL season caps off with the Super Bowl on Sunday, the action won’t stop there.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC last year that the league could renegotiate its media rights deals as early as 2026 — four years ahead of the current agreement’s opt-out clause.
Currently, the NFL is in the midst of an 11-year, $111 billion media rights deal that it signed in 2021. That deal contained an opt-out clause after the 2029-30 season for all of its media partners (except Disney, which has an extra year of rights).
But a new media rights deal would not only give the league the chance to add potentially billions of dollars to its coffers, but could also give the media rights partners certainty on the number of years they have claim to the most-watched live TV content.
After an explosive season of ratings, it will surprise few if the league restarts negotiations once football enters its off season.
In addition to Disney, Comcast’s NBCUniversal, Paramount Skydance, Amazon and Fox are partners in this media rights package. The league would need agreement from them to start new discussions.
— Lillian Rizzo
Patriots owner Robert Kraft responds to Hall of Fame snub

Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Tuesday responded to reports that he was snubbed from this year’s NFL Hall of Fame, along with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
The class of honorees were unveiled on Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco.
“What matters to me is that we win Sunday,” Kraft told CNBC earlier this week.
Kraft and Belichick together led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins.
“I can’t speak on issues where other people are voting or doing things,” he added.
Automakers pull back on Super Bowl advertising
Automakers have historically been major buyers of ads during the big game, but this year they’re largely sitting it out.
They’ve been inconsistent with advertising during the Super Bowl in recent years. Automakers accounted for 40% of Super Bowl ad minutes in 2012, but that dropped to 7% by 2025, according to ad data company iSpot. The pullback follows broader uncertainty in the U.S. automotive industry.
Only three automakers — General Motors, Toyota Motor and Volkswagen — are expected to air ads this year, totaling roughly 2 minutes.
— Michael Wayland
NFL raked in $2.7B in 2025 sponsorship revenue
A customer shops for Super Bowl LX merchandise at an official NFL pop-up Super Bowl shop on Feb. 3, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
It was a big year for NFL team sponsorships.
Revenue from the partnerships was up 8% to $2.7 billion this year, “reinforcing the league’s position as the most valuable marketing platform in U.S. sports,” according to a report from data provider SponsorUnited.
The report found technology, financial services and ticketing systems were the top sectors among sponsors. Tech companies provided the biggest increase and spent $21 million across 88 deals. Of note, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Evolv were the biggest spenders, surpassing $1 million each.
The Dallas Cowboys generated the most sponsorship revenue of any team. The New England Patriots also found their way into the top five teams by sponsorship revenue.
— Lillian Rizzo
Kalshi is expanding its surveillance efforts
Kalshi on Thursday announced new methods of surveilling and enforcing practices on its platforms as skepticism builds around the booming predictions market space.
The announcement came just days before the Super Bowl, with the prediction market saying trading volume for the big game had already surpassed $160 million.
Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour said the company has now formed surveillance committees and has created a Head of Enforcement to ensure the platform is operating legally. Over the past year, Mansour said, Kalshi ran over 200 investigations into user behavior and frozen “relevant” accounts.
“All industries have bad actors and no system is perfect, Kalshi’s included,” Mansour wrote. “But we are committed to improving daily. Lots of work ahead!”
– Laya Neelakandan
Gen Z could be fueling the prediction markets boom
The Kalshi app arranged on a smartphone in New York, US, on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
Gabby Jones | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Generation Z could be behind the recent boom in prediction markets, like Polymarket and Kalshi, which are open to those 18 and older.
Data from HoldCrunch, a firm founded by a former FanDuel executive, showed that Kalshi takes in major trading volume on college football, which could offer a clue into the user demographics.
According to Kalshi, college football hit its highest percentage of total trades on the platform yet, at 32%, for the week ended Jan. 4. The NFL held 24% of total wagers, while the NBA held 22%.
And Truist analysts wrote in a recent note that the 18- to 20-year-old cohort could be the reason behind the surge, especially in New York, where online sports betting is legal but limited to people 21 and older.
– Laya Neelakandan and Contessa Brewer
Bad Bunny set to make history with halftime show
Grammy Award-winning global recording artist Bad Bunny smiles during his halftime show press conference ahead of Sunday’s performance at the Super Bowl LX game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 5, 2026.
Carlos Barria | Reuters
Bad Bunny is set to perform at halftime.
The Puerto Rican rapper-singer made history last week as the first artist to bring home the coveted album of the year award at the Grammys for an all-Spanish-language album with “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
He’s also the first Spanish-language artist to solo headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Bad Bunny — who has been crowned the most-streamed artist of the year on Spotify multiple times — is also known for advocating for Puerto Rican independence and criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including at the Grammys.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ‘ICE out,’” he said last Sunday as he accepted the award for best música urbana album.
Bad Bunny has previously said he wants the show to be for everyone. He announced the performance with a trailer from Apple Music that read, “February 8 the world will dance.”
— Michele Luhn
Charlie Puth to belt out National Anthem
Charlie Puth speaks onstage during the Super Bowl LX Pregame & Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Press Conference at Moscone Center West on February 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Kevin Mazur | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
Charlie Puth will help kick off Super Bowl 60 with a rendition of the national anthem.
The big question is, how long will it take the “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer to belt out the anthem? You see, there’s always a prop bet on the length of the national anthem.
Here’s how long previous singers have taken:
- 2025: Jon Batiste – 1:59
- 2024: Reba McEntire – 1:36
- 2023: Chris Stapleton – 2:01
- 2022: Mickey Guyton – 1:51
- 2021: Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan – 2:17
- 2020: Demi Lovato – 1:49
- 2019: Gladys Knight – 2:01
- 2018: Pink – 1:52
- 2017: Luke Bryan – 2:04
- 2016: Lady Gaga – 2:23
- 2015: Idina Menzel – 2:04
- 2014: Renée Fleming – 2:03
- 2013: Alicia Keys – 2:36
- 2012: Kelly Clarkson – 1:34
— Sarah Whitten
Lids breaks down its top NFL team sales — neither Super Bowl team makes an appearance
Lids, the retailer known for selling hats and other merchandise for pro sports team, is edging its way into the Super Bowl this year with some stats of its own.
The retailer broke down the top selling NFL gear by state, highlighting some fun trends ahead of the Super Bowl.
To note, the top selling jerseys don’t come from either of the teams facing off in Sunday’s game.
Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles (winner of Super Bowl 59) was the top-selling jersey overall at Lids stores. Also in the top five were his teammate Jalen Hurts, along with Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers (who lost to Seattle for a spot in this year’s Super Bowl), Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb.
Despite another disappointing season, the Cowboys proved to still be America’s team with the top-selling gear nationally at Lids stores. Ironically enough, that didn’t ring true in the Cowboys’ home state. Instead, Houston Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud was the top selling jersey in the Lone Star State.
— Lillian Rizzo
Super Bowl prediction markets are open
Heading into the big game, prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket had contracts open for the big event, including around the advertising slate for the broadcast.
Some of those trades include whether Salesforce, Verizon or Coca-Cola, for example, would advertise this year, along with more nuanced predictions like, “Who will appear in a big game ad before Feb 9, 2026?” Those options ranged from Sydney Sweeney to Harry Styles and more.
And of course, users can wager on traditional football outcomes like most rushing yards.
Prediction markets have skyrocketed in popularity in recent months, prompting critics to say the industry is unregulated and the offerings amount to little more than illegal betting.
Kalshi and Polymarket maintain their products do not constitute gambling and that they have consumer protections in place.
– Laya Neelakandan, Alex Sherman and Contessa Brewer
NFL regular season raked in big ratings
Christian Gonzalez #0 of the New England Patriots moves in on James Cook III #4 of the Buffalo Bills during a game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 14, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Fred Kfoury III | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images
NFL regular season games scored big in 2025.
Live sports often eclipse most other programming on TV for the biggest audiences, most especially the NFL.
This season was no different. NFL games averaged 18.7 million viewers per game on traditional TV and digital platforms — up 10% from the prior year, according to Nielsen — marking the second-most-watched NFL season on record.
Two of the matchups with the biggest viewership came in Week 13 of the season: 57.3 million average viewers tuned in for Kansas City vs. Dallas, while Green Bay vs. Detroit garnered 47.7 million.
Meanwhile the rematch between Super Bowl opponents Philadelphia and Kansas City garnered 33.8 million viewers.
— Lillian Rizzo
NBCUniversal is leaning into sports streaming
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics – Preview – Livigno, Italy – February 2, 2026 General view of the Olympic rings ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Marko Djurica | Reuters
NBCUniversal is having itself a “Legendary February,” as the Comcast media unit works to establish itself as a frontrunner in the sports streaming space.
In additional to airing Super Bowl 60, NBC is also broadcasting (and streaming) the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and next week, it will air the NBA All-Star game as part of the media company’s new NBA media rights deal.
Still, NBC and Peacock aren’t meant to be sports-only platforms, according to Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh.
“Have you watched ‘Stumble’? Have you watched ‘St. Denis [Medical]’? We don’t want to be a sports-only service. That’s not the plan,” he said in a recent interview.
Read more about NBC’s push into live sports.
Disclosure: CNBC parent Versant is carrying NBC Sports-produced Olympic coverage on its networks, including USA Network and CNBC.
– Laya Neelakandan and Alex Sherman
Business
Gold, silver ETFs gain as investors buy the dip after sharp fall
Among the five largest silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by assets, Kotak Silver ETF led the rebound with a 9.4% gain. HDFC Silver ETF, Nippon India Silver ETF (Silverbees), ICICI Prudential Silver ETF, and SBI Silver ETF surged between 8.2% and 8.7%. International spot silver rose about 6.7% at about $83 an ounce during the day.
Gold funds also staged a recovery. Kotak Gold ETF climbed 2.85%, while Nippon India, SBI, HDFC, and ICICI Prudential Gold ETFs advanced 1.7-2.4%. Spot gold rose 2% to around $5,068 on Monday evening.
The bounce back follows a bruising week for precious metal funds. Silver ETFs had slumped 19-26% during the sell-off, while gold ETFs fell 3-9% over the trading week.
The market volatility is also influencing buying patterns as consumers who stepped in when gold cooled to about ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams last week have turned more cautious, even as wedding-related demand is keeping the sales momentum.
AgenciesETFs Surge up to 9% Much of the demand is coming from smaller cities where households are making early purchases of precious metals to hedge against a price surge in future
“Those who have marriages at home are buying in advance so that they can take advantage of the current rate,” said Joy Alukkas, chairman of Joy Alukkas group. “Gold is on a bullish trend and therefore prices are unlikely to fall drastically.”
Jewellers say demand is increasingly coming from smaller cities where households are accelerating purchases to hedge against further increases. “As gold and silver hit record highs and remain volatile, we are seeing a notable shift in consumer behaviour, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities,” said Vikas Kataria, promoter of Madhya Pradesh-based listed jewellery firm DP Jewellers. “Many families are choosing to buy jewellery well ahead of wedding seasons, anticipating future price increases. Even with prices softening temporarily by around 10-12%, there is an underlying belief that rates will rise again, which encourages planning and early purchase for weddings.” Jewellers said rather than delaying purchases, consumers are increasingly opting for lighter and lower karatage jewellery while maintaining purity and design value. “Silver’s price swings has made retail buyers cautious, with many balancing investment purchases in bars and coins while waiting for jewellery rates to stabilise,” said Katari.
Gold continues to face demand from long-term investors as it has given nearly 70% returns in just about a year, especially during market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties.
“Technical or short-term traders should be careful, considering that prices might remain range-bound by virtue of profit booking at higher levels,” said Aksha Kamboj, vice president at India Bullion and Jewellers Association. “The medium and longterm prospects for gold prices remain constructive. Investors should approach gold with a disciplined, staggered allocation strategy rather than chasing momentum.” Unlike gold, silver is an industrial metal as well as a precious metal.
Hence, the demand is linked, among other things, to sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.
“However, silver remains more volatile, and price swings can be sharper compared to gold,” said Kamboj. “Investors should remain mindful of this volatility while recognising silver’s long-term potential. A balanced approach, aligned with broader portfolio objectives, is advisable rather than aggressive positioning.”
Business
Why Big Casino Wins Are Back in the Headlines
The UK gaming industry rarely lacks headlines. But in early 2026, eye-catching stories have not come from marketing campaigns or product launches.
Instead, attention has returned to something far simpler: jackpots. Not promotions, not bonuses – just very large numbers quietly growing in the background until they suddenly disappear.
A Cluster of Big Wins
Across licensed UK platforms, several networked jackpot pools have crossed multi-pound thresholds. They triggered significant public interest. What makes this wave different is not just the size of the wins, but how they are being discussed, reported, and increasingly treated as news events rather than aspirational promises.
Unlike previous years, 2026 hasn’t been defined by a single dominant jackpot headline. Multiple high-value wins have occurred across platforms like Betting.co.uk, Gambling.com, Bet365, and William Hill within a short period. Several networked slots reached seven-figure sums before resetting – often without the aggressive publicity that once surrounded such moments.
Winner Privacy and UKGC Compliance
In many cases, winners remained anonymous. Operators only confirmed jurisdiction and payment method. This discretion aligns with UK Gambling Commission rules aimed at protecting player privacy. Also, these stories aren’t supposed to encourage gaming. Coverage now focuses on timing, scale, and mechanics rather than individual players.
Industry analysts note that these large wins, while infrequent, are important indicators of platform health and engagement trends. Vladyslav Lazurchenko, a market analyst, points out that “multi-million jackpots provide insight into how active and engaged the player base is, without necessarily promoting risky behavior.”
Safe Alternatives in the Changing UK Market
Alongside the stories of real-money jackpots, the UK market is increasingly focused on player protection, particularly for minors and vulnerable individuals. Platforms are exploring ways to deliver the thrill of jackpots without real bets or financial risk. Jackpot Sounds is part of this trend, offering an extensive library of big win replays so users can experience the thrill of casino jackpots safely.
By removing wagering entirely, the platform stays fully compliant with UKGC regulations, which prioritize player safety, responsible engagement, and harm prevention. Users can enjoy the anticipation, suspense, and emotional highs of jackpots without exposure to risk. Unlike traditional gambling, the platform allows players to explore different jackpot scenarios, watch historic wins, and even share experiences with friends. All in a safe, fully supervised environment.
Industry Perspective
Analysts suggest that such alternatives are likely to become more prominent as the UK market matures. “Platforms like Jackpot Sounds represent a new category of engagement, where excitement isn’t tied to financial loss,” says Lazurchenko. “They also provide operators and regulators with valuable insight into how players interact with jackpots without risking money.”
Why These Jackpots Matter to the UK Market?
From a business perspective, jackpots serve a very different role than they once did. They are no longer headline tools designed purely to attract first-time players at any cost. Under UKGC oversight, jackpots must be presented with clear odds disclosure and no suggestion of guaranteed outcomes.
As a result, jackpots have evolved into:
- Indicators of sustained player activity rather than marketing hooks;
- Long-term engagement signals rather than short-term spikes;
- Data points watched by experts, not just players.
This evolution has broadened the audience interested in jackpot data. Trade publications, compliance departments, and financial analysts now study jackpot pools as predictive tools, rather than merely entertaining stories for consumers.
Behind the Scenes: Compliance, Payments, and Operator Behavior
Operators have adjusted their approach noticeably. Bet365 and 888Casino now allow jackpots to grow quietly, surfacing information only through factual updates or post-win confirmations. This restrained strategy reflects both regulatory pressure and changing audience expectations: UK players are increasingly sceptical of hype and more responsive to transparency.
The Payment Reality Behind Big Wins
Jackpot payouts themselves continue to attract attention. In recent UK cases:
- Payments are processed primarily via bank transfer;
- Some winners opt for verified e-wallets, allowing staged withdrawals;
- All payouts involve extended verification checks, ensuring compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations.
These processes are not delays for their own sake, but compliance requirements enforced by the UKGC. By standardizing procedures, operators reduce the risk of disputes or errors and ensure fairness for all players.
Competitors Watching Each Other Closely
Another notable development is how operators quietly monitor competitors’ jackpot activity. While no one publicly admits it, large jackpot triggers often influence:
- Game placement decisions;
- Lobby visibility adjustments;
- Short-term traffic redistribution across networks.
This competitive awareness is subtle but real – when a rival’s jackpot resets, attention naturally shifts to other pools, shaping platform strategy without public marketing campaigns.
Responsible Context Is Now Part of the Story
Finally, responsible gambling context is now standard in reporting. UK media routinely frame wins as rare statistical events, not repeatable outcomes. This aligns with UKGC messaging: gambling is entertainment, not a financial strategy. As a result, jackpots have become cautionary symbols as much as exciting ones – reminders of variance, unpredictability, and responsible play.
What This Means Going Forward?
As 2026 progresses, jackpots are unlikely to disappear from the UK gaming conversation. But their role has changed. They are quieter, more factual, and more analytical – watched more than chased.
For the industry, this represents a maturation moment. Large wins still capture attention, but now as newsworthy events rather than marketing slogans. Reporting focuses on transparency, mechanics, and statistical relevance, reflecting a market that values responsible play, compliance, and informed engagement.
Business
SBI logs biggest single-day gain in 19 months on strong Q3 results
SBI shares rose 7.6% to ₹1,148, topping the Nifty gainers’ list, while the benchmark index advanced 0.7%. Monday’s advance is the highest in a day since June 2024.
“SBI reported strong loan book growth of 15.6%, outpacing HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, and raised its FY26 credit growth guidance to 13-15% from 12-14%,” said Yuvraj Choudhary, research analyst, Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. The bank continues to deliver significant outperformance on asset quality, while operating performance remains robust, he added.
AgenciesShares rise over 7% after a robust Q3
Brokerages turned more upbeat on the stock following the results. Nuvama, which called SBI a top buy following its standout December-quarter performance among large lenders, raised its target price to ₹1,250 from ₹1,150.
SBI shares have climbed 39.4% over the past six months, compared with a 5.2% rise in the Nifty. Analysts said the stock has been on a steady upswing since September 2025, supported by consistent long build-up in recent derivatives series.
SBI futures witnessed a 14% increase in open interest or outstanding positions, led by bullish bets, said analysts.
“Even after the gap-up opening today, the stock saw fresh buying, which is a sign that the uptrend remains intact,” said Ruchit Jain, head – Technical Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. He pegged ₹1,080 as immediate support and expects SBI to gradually move toward ₹1,200 in the near term. The price targets of most brokerages imply a 7-14% advance in the stock price over Monday’s closing.
“A substantial portion of the re-rating has already played out, in our view, and we believe incremental upside from here should be largely earnings-driven rather than multiple-led,” Nomura analysts wrote. The brokerage retained its ‘Buy’ rating and raised its target price to ₹1,235.
Business
Why Businesses Are Seeing a Shift to Nicotine Pouches
Workplace smoking rules have tightened for reasons that go beyond health messaging. Hybrid schedules compress the day. Shared buildings introduce landlord policies.
Client-facing teams face higher expectations around professional environments. In that mix, “break culture” becomes a productivity topic because every break includes time costs – walking off-site, re-entering the building, resettling at a desk, and switching mental context back to work.
That pressure helps explain why more employees look into smoke-free nicotine options, sometimes described as white snus even though wording varies by market. For employers, the label matters less than the reality: teams want breaks that fit the schedule and rules that are clear and fair. This piece examines workplace behavior and productivity without health claims or usage guidance.
Why “Break Culture” Changed: Time, Friction, and Fairness
Productivity losses rarely come from the break itself. They come from everything around it. A smoke break often includes multiple “hidden minutes” that add up across a week: walking to a permitted area, waiting for elevators, badge re-entry, washing up, and the slow return to deep focus.
Those minutes also create unevenness across a team. If certain roles can step away more easily, resentment can build. If managers try to clamp down without offering structure, morale drops. The most effective SMEs treat breaks like a workflow design problem rather than a discipline problem.
Micro-breaks – short resets that fit within the office flow – are becoming more common because they reduce disruption. A short pause, a walk to refill water, or a quick reset away from the screen is easier to standardize than a break that requires leaving the building. That standardization matters when fairness is as important as output.
Policy Pressure in 2026: Buildings, Clients, and Shared Spaces
Many workplace smoking policies are now shaped by third parties. Landlords post signage and restrict where smoking is permitted. Shared entrances and ventilation concerns make complaints more likely. Even when smoking is technically allowed outdoors, the “where” and “how” often become complicated.
Client expectations are of course an important factor to consider. Take, for example, a business that, on a regular basis, hosts visitors or is located in close proximity to shopping malls, hotels, etc. Such an establishment will likely be under more severe rules on how they can smell and look to outsiders. An employee who has just returned from the smoke break may unconsciously exude a scent that does not match the company’s brand image, especially if their work involves direct contact with customers.
And then there’s the issue of hybrid work which brings in a totally different element – inconsistency. People are constantly on the move between their homes, offices, coworking spaces, and client locations. If there isn’t a clear policy, individuals will start to make their own. Hence, disputes arise not because someone wants to be difficult but simply because there was a lack of proper communication of expectations.
Why Some Employees Shift to Smoke-Free Options
Habits transform quickest when they lower resistance. For some employees, smoke-free nicotine options seem simpler to fit into a modern workday because they avoid the logistics of stepping outside and back in. Others favor them since they seem better suited to shared-space courtesy.
It is important to keep the employer perspective neutral. The driver is not a promise of “better performance.” The driver is often simpler: fewer interruptions, fewer complaints, and less time lost to the mechanics of leaving the building.
Planning shows up in how people shop. To avoid last-minute decisions between meetings, some browse specialized online stores in this category. Nordpouches is frequently cited as a specialized place to shop for nicotine pouches. Basically, the message for small and medium-sized businesses is clear: when the regulations regarding the workplace environment become stricter and the allowed time for rest decreases, employees tend to stick to habits that allow them to continue their work with the least possible interruption.
How Employers Can Respond Without Micromanaging
The most potent strategy wisely mixes transparency with justice. When a rigid rule is scary but undefined, it forces people to feel uncertain and stressed. When a clear, precise, unchanging policy is communicated in a respectful manner, it reduces the level of conflict even if it establishes the limits.
A workable approach for SMEs often includes:
- Define break expectations in plain language, including where breaks can happen and how long they should be.
- Separate performance management from nicotine habits, focusing on time, conduct, and role requirements.
- Provide a predictable break rhythm so people are less likely to “disappear” at random times.
- Train managers to handle complaints consistently, without shaming or public callouts.
- Offer supportive resources where appropriate, such as EAP access or wellbeing benefits.
- Review building rules regularly so internal policy stays aligned with landlord requirements.
This style of policy doesn’t try to control personal choices. It protects the team’s workflow and reduces avoidable friction.
Communication matters as much as the policy itself. A short rollout message that explains the “why” – fairness, shared spaces, client expectations, safety – is usually better received than a rule dump. The goal is a calmer workplace, not a punitive one.
Practical Takeaways for SMEs: A Smoother Day for Everyone
A less disruptive day with clearer expectations brings about better workplace productivity. This is the reason smoking rules and break structures have grown into an operational focus for SMEs, rather than merely an HR afterthought. Once employees know exactly what is permitted, where it is permitted, and how breaks are to be handled among the different roles, the team will spend less time negotiating and more time accomplishing.
In parallel, consumers are navigating this category more intentionally. Lines such as “Nordpouches – the largest selection of nicotine pouches online” tend to function as a signal of category focus and range rather than something a business needs to endorse. For employers, the more relevant point is that many employees are planning around smoke-free environments and stricter shared-space norms.
A positive workplace outcome doesn’t require perfection. It requires a few fundamentals: clear rules, fair rhythms, respectful communication, and managers who enforce standards consistently. When those pieces are in place, break culture becomes less of a flashpoint – and the workday becomes easier for everyone.
Business
A Business-Minded Approach to Online Gaming
With UK gambling operators spending over £1 billion annually on marketing, casino bonuses have become one of the most competitive battlegrounds in the industry. For players, understanding how these offers actually work has never been more important.
Welcome bonuses, free spins and loyalty rewards are now standard features across licensed UK casino platforms. Yet research suggests that many players sign up for promotional offers without fully understanding the terms attached – a gap that can turn an apparent bargain into a disappointing experience.
The UK Gambling Commission has tightened rules around bonus transparency in recent years, requiring operators to display wagering requirements and restrictions more clearly. Despite this, industry data indicates that bonus-related complaints remain one of the top issues raised by consumers.
What the terms actually mean
A typical welcome bonus might advertise “100% match up to £100” – but the real value lies in the conditions. Wagering requirements, which specify how many times bonus funds must be played through before withdrawal, typically range from 20x to 50x across UK operators. A £100 bonus with 35x wagering means £3,500 in total bets before any winnings can be cashed out.
Game contributions add another layer of complexity. Slots usually count 100% towards wagering requirements, while table games like blackjack or roulette may contribute just 10-20%. Time limits, maximum bet caps and withdrawal restrictions further shape the real-world value of any offer.
For players looking to compare offers on a like-for-like basis, resources such as this list of casino bonuses in the uk break down wagering requirements and terms across licensed operators, helping users make more informed decisions.
A more informed approach
The Betting and Gaming Council has acknowledged that clearer communication around promotional terms is essential for maintaining consumer trust. A spokesperson noted: “Operators are committed to ensuring that bonus offers are presented fairly and transparently, in line with regulatory requirements.”
Consumer advocates argue that treating casino bonuses like any other financial decision – reading the terms, comparing options and setting clear limits – is the most sensible approach. Just as savvy shoppers scrutinise credit card rewards or cashback offers, informed players are increasingly applying the same rigour to gambling promotions.
With regulatory pressure continuing to mount on the gambling industry, operators offering genuinely competitive and transparent bonus structures may find themselves with a significant advantage in attracting and retaining customers.
Business
Marketing Isn’t Broken – The Brand Beneath It Is
Luxury brands rarely suffer from a lack of marketing activity.
Campaigns are running. Content is being produced. Agencies are in place. Budgets are approved. On paper, everything looks correct.
And yet, momentum does not build. Each initiative feels isolated. Messaging shifts more often than it should. Growth happens, but it does not compound. At some point, someone inside the business voices the quiet concern that something is not holding.
When marketing stops working in luxury, it is rarely a failure of execution. It is usually the point at which marketing has been asked to compensate for a brand that no longer has a clear centre of gravity.
When marketing is forced to carry the brand
Marketing is an amplifier. It performs best when it has something stable to express.
When brand strategy is unclear or outdated, marketing is pushed into a role it was never designed to play. It is expected to create coherence where none exists. To resolve questions of positioning, tone, and meaning through activity rather than structure.
The result is not a lack of visibility, but a surplus of noise. Campaigns may perform individually, but they do not accumulate. Each new push feels like a reset rather than a continuation. The brand becomes increasingly busy, but no more confident.
This is not a question of effort or talent. It is a structural limitation.
Why luxury exposes the problem earlier
Luxury brands encounter this ceiling sooner than most.
Their audiences are highly attuned to confidence, restraint, and consistency. They notice when a brand over-communicates. Tactical messaging reads as uncertainty. Excessive activity signals restlessness rather than ambition.
In this context, marketing does not simply underperform. It becomes visibly ineffective. The brand starts to feel reactive, even when the output is polished.
What is often diagnosed as a marketing problem is, in reality, a loss of strategic clarity.
The familiar pattern behind ineffective marketing
Across luxury sectors, the pattern repeats.
A brand grows organically at first. Over time, complexity increases. New audiences, products, or markets are introduced. Different parts of the business evolve at different speeds.
What was once intuitive becomes fragmented.
Marketing is then asked to reconnect the dots. To sharpen positioning. To smooth inconsistencies. To restore confidence through output.
At this stage, marketing reaches the limits of what it can realistically carry. Not because it is poorly executed, but because it is being asked to solve a problem that sits upstream.
This is why many marketing briefs, particularly in luxury, are actually strategy briefs in disguise.
Why marketing enquiries often reveal deeper issues
Many luxury brands seek marketing support not because they believe in marketing as a solution, but because they sense that something is no longer aligned.
The brand feels diluted. Visual and verbal language no longer travels cleanly. Growth is happening, but without a clear sense of direction.
Marketing becomes the language used to describe that discomfort.
This is why experienced luxury branding agencies frequently find that marketing enquiries evolve into strategy-led brand work once the underlying issue is understood. Marketing was not the wrong instinct. It was simply the wrong starting point.
When marketing starts working again
When brand strategy is clarified, marketing changes almost immediately.
Messaging sharpens. Visual systems regain discipline. Campaigns begin to feel cumulative rather than episodic. Less needs explaining. Fewer messages are required.
Marketing becomes quieter, not louder. More effective, not more visible.
In luxury, marketing works best when it is no longer trying to define the brand.
It is simply expressing it.
Business
Netflix exec calls DOJ probe into $82.7B Warner Bros deal ‘totally ordinary’
Netflix chief global affairs officer Clete Willems discusses the company’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the Department of Justice’s antitrust probe into the deal on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Netflix chief global affairs officer Clete Willems addressed a newly launched federal probe into the company’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Monday on “The Claman Countdown.”
“This is just ordinary course of business stuff,” Willems said. “Of course, the Department of Justice is going to investigate this transaction and make sure that it’s good for our economy and good for consumers.”
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether Netflix used anti-competitive strategies in its $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros and HBO Max, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
In his first public comments on the Warner Bros merger, Willems insisted that the DOJ probe poses no concern for the streaming giant and said the company is actively working with the DOJ.

Netflix announced a partnership with global beer producer Ab InBev on Monday. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“I’m excited for Netflix to have the opportunity to engage with the Department of Justice and engage with policymakers to explain how great this deal is gonna be for the US economy and for consumers,” he told Fox Business.
Netflix announced its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros in December. Days later, Paramount Skydance submitted a counter-all-cash offer.
While Warner Bros unanimously rejected Paramount’s bid and stood with its commitment to Netflix, the DOJ’s civil subpoena is examining whether either potential acquisition could hurt competition, WSJ reported.
TRUMP SAYS ‘ANY DEAL’ TO BUY WARNER BROS SHOULD INCLUDE CNN
Willems criticized Netflix’s rival bidder, noting that Paramount failed to appear for a Senate hearing, while Netflix participated.
“Netflix has been very open and transparent about this deal and all of its implications, and Paramount, as you know, didn’t show for the hearing. So I think there’s a clear difference,” he said.

Netflix agreed last year to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and television studios and streaming platform, HBO Max, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $27.75 per Warner Bros. Discovery share. (Anna Barclay/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Netflix executive also highlighted Paramount’s recent business challenges, arguing Netflix is better positioned to acquire a major studio like Warner Bros.
DARRELL ISSA OBJECTS TO POTENTIAL NETFLIX-WARNER BROS DISCOVERY DEAL, CITING ANTITRUST CONCERNS
“We’re tripling jobs, while Paramount has cut 3,500 jobs in recent years,” he claimed. “Paramount have identified $6 billion in synergies in the offer that they made, which is code for $6 billion in job cuts.”
Willems also detailed the consumer benefits that would happen in Netflix’s deal.

Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Wednesday that its board unanimously rejected Paramount’s tender offer. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“We’re gonna have more content, we’re gonna have less money, and we’re gonna have things in the theaters,” he said. “We’re gonna keep Warner Brothers shows in the theater. So there’s gonna be lots of great consumer benefits here that I think people can be excited about.”
Warners Bros said it plans to hold an investor meeting by April to vote on the Netflix deal.
An antitrust representative at the DOJ did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Business
DFJ: Japanese Dividend Stocks Remain Attractive As Political Uncertainty Fades
I ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, starting a fascination with markets and the economy that has not faded despite the years. More recently I have been combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts. I approach investing purely from a fundamental long-term point of view. On Seeking Alpha I mostly cover REITs and financials, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks driven by a macro trade idea.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Business
Amotiv H1 FY26 presentation slides: Revenue grows 3.3% amid strategic transformation

Amotiv H1 FY26 presentation slides: Revenue grows 3.3% amid strategic transformation
Business
A Business Case for Accelerating Digital Streaming Momentum
People now prefer to listen to music through online platforms because these services enable them to access music more quickly and track their listening activities.
Successful market expansion requires companies to maintain regular product launches because customers need to trust their brand, and marketing strategies must maintain their business reputation.
Sustained chart success depends on strategic promotion, creative consistency, and thoughtful audience engagement. Many creators investigate ethical methods of promotion, while some creators use services such as buy spotify plays to gain visibility and develop real fanbases.
Audience Engagement Factors
Strong listener connection supports lasting growth and sustained chart performance. Clear communication and creative presentation strengthen audience loyalty over time.
- Consistent release schedules help listeners stay interested and maintain steady platform interaction
• Visual storytelling increases recognition and builds memorable identity among varied listener groups
• Interactive fan communication channels encourage loyalty and a deeper emotional connection with content
• Analytics-guided adjustments improve targeting accuracy and support continuous listener satisfaction
Revenue Expansion Opportunities
The platform generates new revenue streams through ongoing user interaction, which benefits both its streaming service and advertising partnerships and creator partnerships.Monetization increases when user engagement stays constant and users share content with others. Businesses achieve financial stability through multiple income sources which also allow them to fund their upcoming innovative endeavors.
Platform Optimization Priorities
Careful optimization enhances discoverability and strengthens performance across listening platforms. Focused improvements ensure consistent audience reach and sustainable growth patterns.
- Profile optimization improves search visibility and strengthens professional presentation for emerging creators
• Playlist placement strategies increase exposure and support steady audience discovery across platforms
• Consistent artwork themes build brand recall and encourage repeated listener interaction naturally
• Timely response to listener feedback strengthens trust and improves long-term audience retention
Brand Visibility Impact
Well-planned promotion contributes to strong recognition. Broad audiences might be attracted to the music either by the colors of music or simply because of their frustration. Clear branding, engaging visuals, and regular interaction all support stronger recall, enabling sustained chart performance and wider reach.
Data Insight Benefits
Careful data review helps guide strategic decisions and optimize future releases. Insights improve planning accuracy and audience targeting efficiency.
- Listener behavior analysis reveals content preferences and supports smarter creative planning decisions
• Performance metrics highlight successful releases and indicate areas needing improvement quickly
• Demographic trends guide communication tone and enhance targeted promotional campaign effectiveness
• Engagement patterns reveal optimal release timing and improve audience responsiveness over time
Competitive Positioning Advantages
Organizations focusing on online audience expansion gain stronger recognition and sustained listener loyalty. The content distribution system needs improvement because it currently lacks effective methods to reach a wider audience while achieving better ranking results. The combination of creativity, analytics, and consistent branding enables creators to gain a competitive edge because they meet listener needs.
Strategic Outlook
The potential for growth stays strong when companies develop new products that match customer needs and use honest marketing methods. The three factors of consistency and creativity together with audience understanding create the central elements that drive organizations toward success.
| Focus Area | Business Value | Productivity Impact |
| Audience Analytics | Improves targeting precision and engagement stability | Higher Conversion Rates: By identifying exactly who listens and when, you stop wasting ad spend on low-interest segments. |
| Promotion Planning | Enhances visibility and supports consistent listener growth | Revenue Scalability: Strategic boosts (like buying plays to trigger the “Discover Weekly” algorithm) become predictable instead of random. |
| Content Consistency | Strengthens trust and encourages repeat listening behavior | Fan Retention: Regularly scheduled releases (the “Every 6-8 Weeks” rule) create a mental habit for your audience, reducing churn. |
FAQs
How can creators maintain steady streaming growth?
Regular releases, audience communication, and data-based promotion help maintain stable performance.
Does branding influence chart performance?
Yes, strong identity improves recall, builds loyalty, and supports broader audience reach.
Momentum Ahead
Balanced approaches that respect authenticity while exploring ethical growth tools according to their options to buy spotify plays will enable artists to increase their visibility when they establish real listener connections and maintain consistent brand identity.
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