ESPN Planning Alternate Broadcasts for Super Bowl 61

Network exploring ManningCast, Pat McAfee Stream, and Disney KidsCast options for first Super Bowl telecast

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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ESPN is preparing a variety of alternate broadcast options for its coverage of Super Bowl 61 in 2027, including a ManningCast on ESPN2, a Pat McAfee-led Field Pass stream, and a Disney-themed KidsCast. The network is going all-out for its first Super Bowl telecast in 20 years, with plans for a weekly series highlighting past Super Bowl stars and cross-promotion through Disney Parks and ABC Entertainment.

Why it matters

ESPN's plans for alternate broadcasts of the Super Bowl represent an effort to attract younger and more diverse audiences to the big game, leveraging popular personalities and brands to complement the traditional game telecast. This aligns with broader industry trends of providing more customized viewing experiences for major sporting events.

The details

The main ESPN and ABC broadcasts will feature the network's top announcing team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, along with reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge. The ManningCast on ESPN2 will feature Peyton and Eli Manning providing a more casual, conversational format with guests. The Pat McAfee-led Field Pass stream is still working through rights approvals but could provide a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective. Disney is also exploring an animated KidsCast that could draw from its intellectual property like Star Wars, Family Guy, and Cars.

  • Super Bowl 61 will be played in 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The players

ESPN

The major American sports network that will be televising Super Bowl 61 for the first time since 2007.

Disney

The parent company of ESPN that is collaborating on alternate broadcast plans for the Super Bowl, including a potential Disney-themed KidsCast.

Peyton and Eli Manning

The former NFL quarterback brothers who will host the ManningCast alternate broadcast on ESPN2.

Pat McAfee

The former NFL punter and host of The Pat McAfee Show, who is in discussions with ESPN to provide a Field Pass alternate stream for Super Bowl 61.

Joe Buck

The veteran play-by-play announcer who will call the main Super Bowl telecast on ESPN and ABC.

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What they’re saying

“Securing guests for a Super Bowl broadcast poses a unique challenge due to the scale of the event and the competing demands on high-profile figures.”

— Eli Manning (Front Office Sports)

“Source(s) tell me that the rights hurdle is very hurdle-able. Would be absolutely bonkers.”

— Pat McAfee (X)

What’s next

ESPN will continue to finalize its plans for alternate broadcasts and cross-promotion around Super Bowl 61, which is scheduled to take place in 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The takeaway

ESPN's innovative approach to Super Bowl 61 coverage, including a variety of alternate broadcast options, reflects the network's efforts to engage younger and more diverse audiences for the big game through the use of popular personalities and brands.