Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will attract most of its viewers through Fox, but there are other options available to watch the NFL’s biggest game of the year. The Super Bowl will also be available on Fox’s free ad-supported television (FAST) platform Tubi, marking a significant achievement for the streaming service, which has created envy among giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple+ TV.
While streaming major sporting events, including NFL games, is commonplace for many Americans, it usually involves platforms supported by hefty marketing budgets and major branding (think Paramount+ and Peacock). Tubi remains relatively obscure to a wider audience, and we aim to address that with a helpful primer below.
Just tell me what channel Tubi is on…
Tubi is not a channel on your cable package. It’s a standalone streaming service that you need to add to your TV or device, much like Netflix or Peacock.
Wait, so it isn’t just on my phone?
You might be confused with Quibi (though the Tubi app is indeed available on mobile devices and laptops).
How’s Quibi doing?
Why haven’t I ever heard of Tubi?
You might be too old or perhaps Chris Russo (or both). Acquired by Fox in 2020 for around $440 million, Tubi was reportedly the fastest-growing streaming service of 2023, claiming to have surpassed 97 million monthly users. With 1.7 percent of TV viewing in December, per Nielsen, Tubi outperformed Peacock, Paramount+, and Max.
Wait, what’s a FAST channel?
Free ad-supported television (FAST) refers to a streaming service that resembles a traditional cable network lineup. It comprises a series of themed channels playing pre-scheduled content throughout the day, ideal for when you want something on in the background without fussing over choices. Typically, these services are free or included with a paid subscription. Other FAST platforms include Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Xumo, Plex, and Crackle.
I can’t afford to keep paying for more streaming services.
Don’t worry—Tubi is free! They generate revenue through advertising during shows and movies, so you can watch the Super Bowl without paying.
Sounds cheap. Is it gonna look like crap?
Nope! Fox intends to stream the broadcast in 4K on Tubi, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.
Am I gonna miss all my beloved Super Bowl commercials?
No way! You’ll still get to watch all the ads for AI products, just like everyone else.
I guess my Spanish-speaking friends are screwed, huh?
Actually, there’s a Spanish-language feed as well! You’re running out of complaints.
see you sunday 🎉 get your free account now for the full game day experience:https://t.co/Gm59uWf8Fr pic.twitter.com/vCLn8ZcvlZ
— Tubi (@Tubi) February 5, 2025
Are they doing anything unique?
Yes, they are. Tubi will host the Tubi Red Carpet at Super Bowl LIX, featuring Olivia Culpo (Mrs. Christian McCaffrey), covering celebrity, fashion, and culture live from Caesars Superdome.
Kinda risky to just start broadcasting sports with the Super Bowl, no?
It is, but Tubi has previously broadcasted sporting events, primarily as replays. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they featured replays of every match shortly after they ended. They also aired some World Baseball Classic games and have tested the waters with international soccer and live college football. Nonetheless, the Super Bowl will surely test the platform’s technical prowess. Any glitchy streaming like what Netflix faced during the Tyson-Paul fight could become a major talking point.
So Tubi has other sports programming?
Absolutely! Tubi offers a variety of sports-centric channels, including Fox Sports On Tubi, the MLB Channel, NBA G League TV, Motor Trend Fast TV, Women’s Sports Network, and ACC Network Digital (full list here). Deion Sanders even hosts a talk show with Rocsi Diaz, and the two recently had to deny rumors about their personal relationship.
Give me a good reason to stick around after the Super Bowl.
Tubi’s extensive collection of movies and TV shows is its strong suit, boasting over 275,000 titles. If you often find yourself scrolling through Netflix or Peacock without finding anything interesting, Tubi is a refreshing change. While much of its catalog features less popular content, there are hidden gems to discover while browsing. Current offerings include films like Prey, Misery, My Cousin Vinny, The Terminator, Tombstone, and Training Day. If you miss the days of turning on TNT or HBO and enjoying a solid film, Tubi is right up your alley. As a fan of horror films, I particularly appreciate Tubi for its extensive library.
I guess Fox is pretty committed to Tubi, huh?
Yes, they are. However, they’ve announced plans to launch their own direct-to-consumer streaming service, following the recent shutdown of Venu Sports. While it might not affect Tubi in the short term, it could have future implications.
If this goes well, does it mean we might see the return of Quibi?
Let it go—Quibi is in the past. Although the names are similar, Tubi and Quibi have nothing to do with each other.
I just never got to finish watching Most Dangerous Game starring Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz.
That’s truly unfortunate. Perhaps you’d be interested in Tubi’s THE Most Dangerous Game, featuring Casper Van Dien, Bruce Dern, and Judd Nelson?
Close enough.
