The First Super Bowl Aired On Two Networks
The NFL and AFL used to be separate entities, which meant two networks held the rights to air their games. CBS aired the NFL, while NBC showed AFL games. As a result, the first Super Bowl aired on both networks. Behind the scenes, the NFL was in the process of absorbing the AFL and coming up with a new broadcasting plan.
Learning to take turns isn’t just for kids. It’s also for the major television networks who desperately want the tens of millions of viewers on Super Bowl Sunday. Custody of the big game now rotates between CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox, allowing all the NFL rights holders to cash in on football fever.