Puppy Bowl Returns on Super Bowl Sunday

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The 2026 Puppy Bowl, an annual event that raises awareness for animal adoption, will air on February 8th before the Super Bowl. This year's edition will feature 150 puppies from 72 different shelters competing on Team Ruff and Team Fluff, as well as a special halftime show focused on senior dogs and the inclusion of 15 special needs puppies. The event will be broadcast on multiple TV and streaming platforms.

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl is a beloved tradition that not only entertains viewers but also highlights the importance of pet adoption. By showcasing adorable puppies in need of forever homes, the event helps drive adoptions and raise awareness for animal welfare causes.

The details

The 2026 Puppy Bowl will feature 150 puppies from 72 different shelters competing for the prestigious Lombarky trophy. In addition to the main event, there will be a special halftime show featuring senior dogs in the "Team Oldies" vs "Team Goldies" competition. The broadcast will also spotlight 15 special needs puppies and feature appearances by NFL stars like Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Pregame coverage will include the Puppy Combine, where 10 pups will compete in adorable practice drills.

• The Puppy Combine pregame show airs at 1 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026.
• The Puppy Bowl runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026.
• The Super Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026.

What’s next

Viewers can tune in to the Puppy Bowl on February 8, 2026 across multiple TV and streaming platforms, including HBO Max, Discovery Plus, Discovery, Animal Planet, TBS, and TruTV.