Optimum briefly listed CBS as airing the Super Bowl in 4K yesterday, offering a tease that the network may show the Big Game in the higher definition format. But the listing was quickly taken down, leaving fans in the air on what kind of feed they’ll actually get.
On November 27, Optimum showed the Super Bowl in its 4K lineup along with pre and post-game coverage, first noticed by TV Answer Man. The cable provider removed the game hours later without comment.
CBS and Optimum were not immediately available to comment on whether Super Bowl LVIII was listed in error or too early.
Although CBS has the rights to several major sports events, such as NCAA March Madness and the PGA Championship, the network has never broadcast pro or college football in 4K. Currently, there is no option available to watch Super Bowl LVIII in 4K, unlike last year when FOX broadcast the game in ultra high definition with select cable providers as well as through streaming services, satellite packages, and the Fox app.
CBS, FOX, and NBC have deals with the NFL to broadcast three Super Bowls over the next 11 years, while ABC has an agreement to air two. CBS will host the Super Bowl in the 2027 and 2031 seasons. FOX and NBC are expanding their 4K live sports coverage on cable and streaming platforms, but CBS and ABC have not, according to Streaming Stadium. CBS’s broadcast of the AFC Championship between the Bengals and Chiefs last season was met with criticism from fans for its lack of high-definition games compared to FOX’s 4K coverage of the NFC Championship.
Super Bowl LVIII will air on CBS, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, and Univision at 6:30 p.m. ET on February 11. The games will stream on CBS Sports, CBS TV apps, NFL+, as well as Fubo, Hulu+ Live TV, and YouTube TV.