Can You Watch the Super Bowl In 4K With An Antenna?
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!
TV Answer Man, I read that the NBC network will have the Super Bowl in 4K. Do you know if that means it will be in 4K on the antenna? The new NextGen antenna? – Oscar, town withheld.
Oscar, NBC yesterday confirmed our report that the 2026 Super Bowl and 2026 Winter Olympics will be available in 4K. The network said they will be available in 4K via NBC and Peacock.
But what does that mean? Will you be able to watch the big game in 4K if you use a TV antenna and capture your local NBC affiliate’s signal? Or perhaps just by tuning in your regular NBC channel on your cable or satellite service?
I asked NBC spokeswoman Bernadette Simpao today and here’s her response:
“It will be in 1080p HDR on NextGen.”
So, no 4K Super Bowl on any antenna or your regular cable/satellite NBC channel. However, if you have a TV and antenna that can capture the new ‘NextGen’ signals, you can watch it in 1080p HD.
(NextGen TV has been rolling out across the nation over the last few years. The new technology, which tech enthusiasts prefer calling ATSC 3.0, will permit your local station to transmit more HD channels, and it promises to improve indoor antenna reception. Even better, you can receive the NextGen TV signal with a current antenna if you purchase a new TV that is ATSC-enabled or get an external tuner that can be connected to your old set. You can check whether NextGen TV is available in your area here.)
To watch the game in 4K, you will need Peacock or a TV provider that will carry it in that format on special 4K channels. The TV Answer Man has confirmed that YouTube TV, DIRECTV, Comcast’s Xfinity TV and Charter‘s Spectrum TV will offer the Super Bowl on their 4K channels. Verizon, Optimum TV, Dish and Sling TV are also expected to air it in 4K.
Oscar, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!
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Some clarifications:
While YouTube TV will carry the 2025 Super Bowl (Super Bowl LIX) in 4K HDR, it does however require the “4K Plus” add-on package, which costs an additional $9.99 per month on top of the base plan. Alternative: The Tubi app will stream the Super Bowl in 4K for free.
No, Tubi, owned by Fox, will not carry the game in HD, 4K or any format. NBC has the rights.
Google must have it wrong if you’re right.
“Key Details for Watching the Super Bowl in 4K on YouTube TV:
Requirement: You must be subscribed to the 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/mo) in addition to your base YouTube TV subscription ($82.99/mo).
Alternative: The Tubi app will stream the Super Bowl in 4K for free.
Devices: A 4K-compatible device (e.g., Apple TV 4K, Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV 4K, or 4K Roku) is necessary.
Other Benefits: The 4K Plus add-on also provides unlimited simultaneous streams at home and offline viewing on mobile devices.
Promotion: New 4K Plus subscribers may be eligible for a discounted rate or free trial.
Ensure you are watching the specifically designated “4K” channel in the YouTube TV guide to get the high-resolution broadcast.”
That was for last year’s game.
YouTube TV is offering a 30-day free trial for the 4K plus (necessary to watch in 4k), then, after the trial, you will be charged $4.99/month for 12 months then $9.99/month thereafter. It may not be necessary for me to enter into the trial. Because NBC Sports will broadcast the 2026 Super Bowl (LX) in 4K UHD with HDR, it will be available to stream in that format on Peacock on February 8, 2026. As mentioned, the broadcast will also be available on supported 4K local TV stations via NextGen TV.
No, will not be in 4K via antenna.
You must be right. The key is the rights as you mentioned.
Yes, you were able to confirm the 1080 right from the source.
It’s very unfortunate because to this minute, here is how NBC, Google and NexGen website are displaying this:
“NBCUniversal will broadcast Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, in 4K HDR, available via NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) antennas, cable, and satellite. This marks a shift from previous years, as the 4K signal will be accessible for free over-the-air with a compatible tuner, whereas past games were typically only in 4K via paid providers.”
That’s what everyone is going with (and pushing back at me with because I mentioned your update), but it’s unlikely that Simpao was mistaken with you.
What web page?
That mention the 4k thing from an antenna? Too many to list. Lots of chats and forum debates as well. It’s about the translation of upscaling.
A Google search of: “will super bowl be covered in 4k on NexGen OTA TV 2026?”
Produces: “Yes, Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, will be presented in 4K HDR via NBC broadcast and the Peacock streaming service, according to NBCUniversal. This 17-hour “4K All Day” event includes the 2026 Winter Olympics, with 4K coverage available via NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) antennas, cable, and satellite.
Broadcast Details: The 4K coverage begins with the Olympics at 7 a.m. ET, leading into the Super Bowl coverage, notes NewscastStudio.
Accessibility: Viewers need a 4K TV with a NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) tuner or a 4K-compatible streaming device/cable box.
Production: The game will be delivered in 4K HDR, offering higher resolution, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.”
But not limited to that:
https://tech.yahoo.com/home-entertainment/article/how-to-watch-the-super-bowl-absolutely-free-with-an-antenna-153402379.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADztuwIj5Z95pl8o5ie4YhAPe5iv9oEd_J6xj8ttXX4ysOSPXs5__N7JN8oOZ8jmdC_ZY3EHVEZ-UvQha54oacOrSXN9IbMZBVfL5BKh5D_hk40ub8vPLbE9kItaGoUCWT9tVLYUJVjEEz34BI-njBLKEpCHCBu6QFddLcSyWeOx
https://www.cabletv.com/sports/watch-super-bowl-in-4k#:~:text=Ready%20for%20the%20best%20Super,stunning%204K%20on%20February%208.&text=For%20the%20first%20time%20ever,experience%20the%20sharpest%20one%20yet.&text=Get%20up%20to%20$300%20back,plan%20is%20right%20for%20you.
Regardless, it’s not available in 4K on antennas. The source that matters is NBC. That’s why I asked them.
This pages keeps deleting my post if I add links (twice), so I give up on that.
I can tell you that a simple Google search produces many entries.
“will super bowl be covered in 4k on nextgen ota tv 2026”
Answer:
“Yes, for the first time, Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, will be presented in 4K HDR via NBC, covering 17 hours of “4K All Day” content that includes the Winter Olympics. This 4K broadcast will be available on NBC through supporting NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) antennas, as well as on Peacock and other 4K-ready streaming services.
Broadcast Details: NBC is offering 4K HDR coverage for the 2026 Super Bowl and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Access Requirements: Viewers will need a 4K TV with a compatible NextGen TV tuner (ATSC 3.0) or a 4K-capable streaming device to view the 4K feed.”
The forum debates are mostly on the native 1080 being upscaled by the 3.0 tuner, the upscaling device or TV, or the notion that NBC is making an available “4k all day” event just this one time. Peacock is the consensus for the best picture.
I see that my links eventually came through.
I never said I disputed you. As I said right from the start, you got it right from the source, and it’s unlikely that Simpao is mistaken on the antenna thing. That won’t stop the debates online.