As we linger for the commercials during the Super Bowl (rather than running for snacks or taking a bathroom break), we have to wonder how much each ad spot costs. We're a captive audience, trapped under our platters of wings and nachos, and ready to watch and be amused. The creativity and humor in these ads make them so much more worth watching than ads the rest of the year. We’ve heard rumors that they’re in the millions of dollars—and in case we’re not the only ones wondering about how much they cost, here’s our rundown for you, thanks to USA Today. Hold onto your (branded NFL) hat.
How much does a 30-second ad cost during the Super Bowl?
Believe it or not—and you’re going to be reeling—it’s $7 million, although some may be paying closer to $8 million.
How can companies pay less?
They can basically cut that cost in half by running a pre-game ad for about $4.5 million or a post-game ad for around $4 million.
What are some ads we already know we’ll see this year?
Usual suspects like Budweiser, Doritos, Uber Eats, Go Daddy.
Any fun teasers for ads already?
Yes. Taco Bell is returning with an ad after a three-year hiatus. The ad will feature Doja Cat, who will be seen walking fiercely at the brand’s drive-thru.
Some that we usually see that won’t be showing an ad this year?
State Farm, which pulled their ad after the fires in Los Angeles, and Kia. Car and truck ads for Honda, Toyota, and others have declined in recent years.
How long is the usual ad?
Thirty seconds. Advertisers can pay more for a longer spot.
What have the commercials cost over the years?
Super Bowl 1, 1967 - $37,500
Super Bowl 2, 1968 – $54,500
Super Bowl 3, 1969 – $55,000
Super Bowl 4, 1970 – $78,200
Super Bowl 5, 1971 – $72,500
Super Bowl 6, 1972 – $86,100
Super Bowl 7, 1973 – $88,100
Super Bowl 8, 1974 – $103,500
Super Bowl 9, 1975 – $107,000
Super Bowl 10, 1976 – $110,000
Super Bowl 11, 1977 – $125,000
Super Bowl 12, 1978 –$162,300
Super Bowl 13, 1979 – $185,000
Super Bowl 14, 1980 – $222,000
Super Bowl 15, 1981 – $275,000
Super Bowl 16, 1982 – $324,300
Super Bowl 17, 1983 – $400,000
Super Bowl 18, 1984 – $368,200
Super Bowl 19, 1985 – $525,000
Super Bowl 20, 1986 – $550,000
Super Bowl 21, 1987 – $600,000
Super Bowl 22, 1988 – $645,500
Super Bowl 23, 1989 – $675,500
Super Bowl 24, 1990 – $700,400
Super Bowl 25, 1991 – $800,000
Super Bowl 26, 1992 – $850,000
Super Bowl 27, 1993 – $850,000
Super Bowl 28, 1994 – $900,000
Super Bowl 29, 1995 – $1.15 million
Super Bowl 30, 1996 – $1.085 million
Super Bowl 31, 1997 – $1.2 million
Super Bowl 32, 1998 – $1.29 million
Super Bowl 33, 1999 – $1.6 million
Super Bowl 34, 2000 – $2.1 million
Super Bowl 35, 2001 – $2.2 million
Super Bowl 36, 2002 – $2.2 million
Super Bowl 37, 2003 – $2.2 million
Super Bowl 38, 2004 – $2.3 million
Super Bowl 39, 2005 – $2.4 million
Super Bowl 40, 2006 – $2.5 million
Super Bowl 41, 2007 – $2.385 million
Super Bowl 42, 2008 – $2.699 million
Super Bowl 43, 2009 – $2.999 million
Super Bowl 44, 2010 – $2.954 million
Super Bowl 45, 2011 – $3.1 million
Super Bowl 46, 2012 – $3.5 million
Super Bowl 47, 2013 – $3.8 million
Super Bowl 48, 2014 – $4 million
Super Bowl 49, 2015 – $4.25 million
Super Bowl 50, 2016 – $4.5 million
Super Bowl 51, 2017 – $5 million
Super Bowl 52, 2018 – $5.2 million
Super Bowl 53, 2019 – $5.3 million
Super Bowl 54, 2020 – $5.6 million
Super Bowl 55, 2021 – $5.5 milllion
Super Bowl 56, 2022 – $6.5 million
Super Bowl 57, 2023 – $7 million
Super Bowl 58, 2024 – $7 million
Super Bowl 59, 2025 – $7 million, with some brands reportedly paying around $8 million