‘We’re Going’ Disney and ESPN Kick-off Super Bowl LXI Campaign. Following the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, The Walt Disney Company has officially activated “The Handoff,” a massive 24-hour multi-platform event designed to bridge the gap between this year’s championship and the network’s historic first-ever Super Bowl broadcast in 2027.
The initiative marks a new era for sports media, as ESPN and ABC prepare to host Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium on February 14, 2027. To kick off the year-long countdown, Disney is leveraging its entire ecosystem, from its flagship sports networks to its iconic theme parks.
The Symbolic Handoff
The transition began late Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Following the Seattle Seahawks’ 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots, legendary broadcaster Chris Berman ceremonially “handed off” coverage to Scott Van Pelt, who was stationed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles—the site of next year’s Big Game.
The move signifies ESPN’s intent to treat the next 12 months as “The Year of the Super Bowl,” a marketing and production push that includes the network’s first time in the Super Bowl rotation since the 2021 media rights agreement.
Super Bowl Champions Head to Disneyland
Continuing a 39-year tradition, Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III and quarterback Sam Darnold delivered the iconic “I’m going to Disneyland!” line amid the post-game celebrations. The Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to appear at Disneyland Resort today, February 9, for a victory cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A.
The celebration is doubling as a massive production hub for ESPN. For the first time, several of the network’s top shows—including First Take with Stephen A. Smith, NFL Live, and multiple editions of SportsCenter- are broadcasting live from a custom-built set in Town Square at Disneyland Park.
A Landmark Partnership with the NFL
This year’s Super Bowl festivities come on the heels of a blockbuster deal between Disney and the NFL. Last week, the companies finalized an agreement that gives the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN. In exchange, ESPN has taken over full operational control of NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
“This is the most significant integration of Disney and NFL assets in our history,” said a company spokesperson. “By bringing the Super Bowl champion to Disneyland while broadcasting our top NFL shows from the heart of the park, we are showing fans exactly how we will redefine the Super Bowl experience next year.”
Fans can expect a “MegaCast” treatment for Super Bowl LXI in 2027, featuring:
- Main Broadcast: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on ESPN and ABC.
- Alternative Feeds: The popular ManningCast on ESPN2 and a Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN Deportes.
- Streaming: Live coverage across Disney+, Hulu, and the new ESPN direct-to-consumer service.
The 24-hour “Handoff” concludes tonight with Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Hollywood, which will feature further appearances from the Super Bowl champions and a look ahead to the road to Los Angeles.
