The upcoming Super Bowl on Sunday is poised to break viewership records in the United States, and with support from the federal government, it has the potential to become the most-watched NFL game globally. The San Francisco 49ers facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs will be broadcasted in 190 countries, thanks to assistance from the U.S. State Department, which is organizing watch parties in over 30 overseas locations.
According to NFL Executive Vice President Peter O’Reilly, “Basically the entire world is getting access to the Super Bowl.” He highlighted the event’s ability to bring together passionate fans tuning in at odd hours in places like Ghana and introduce newcomers in Australia to the sport.
Sports diplomacy is taking center stage, with U.S. embassies hosting watch parties spanning from Chile and Cyprus to Rwanda, Turkmenistan, and beyond. A State Department spokesperson emphasized the unique opportunity the NFL’s Super Bowl provides to share American culture globally, stating, “The U.S. Department of State has collaborated with the NFL to host Super Bowl LVIII watch parties in over 30 locations in countries around the world.”
This collaborative effort reflects a concerted push to engage diverse audiences worldwide and showcase American sports culture on an international scale.