The NFL has maintained a consistent stance for years: artists who take the stage during the iconic Super Bowl halftime spectacle do not receive a performance fee. Instead, the league covers all production, staging, and associated costs, treating the massive exposure as the primary compensation.
No Paycheck for the Puerto Rican Superstar
For most musicians, headlining the Super Bowl halftime show represents the ultimate career milestone—but it doesn't come with a large pay slip. Despite this, global superstar Bad Bunny has been confirmed as the headline act for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. He will not receive a traditional performance fee for his appearance.
An NFL spokesperson previously explained this policy to Forbes, stating, "We do not pay the artists." The spokesperson emphasised that the unparalleled exposure offered by the broadcast outweighs any direct monetary payment. This approach has remained unchanged over the years, even as some of the world's biggest music icons, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Usher, have graced the halftime stage.
Massive Audience Reach Justifies the Policy
The audience reach for the Super Bowl is truly staggering. The 2025 Super Bowl, for instance, attracted more than 127 million viewers, delivering unprecedented global visibility for that year's halftime headliner, Kendrick Lamar. This kind of exposure is considered invaluable for artists, often leading to significant spikes in music sales, streaming numbers, and overall career momentum.
While artists forego appearance fees, the production itself is a costly affair. Estimates suggest that set budgets for the halftime show can exceed $21 million, with the NFL absorbing these expenses. Reports from Sports Illustrated indicate that performers may receive a minimal rate for their time during rehearsals, though this is a far cry from a standard performance fee. In Usher's case, for example, this reportedly totalled just a few thousand dollars.
Bad Bunny's Career at an All-Time High
Bad Bunny's selection for the 2026 halftime show comes at a peak moment in his career. He recently made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, claiming the prestigious Album of the Year award for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos and adding two more trophies to his growing collection. This achievement solidifies his status as a leading figure in the music industry.
Following his Super Bowl performance, Bad Bunny is set to embark on a global tour, with Australian dates already locked in for Sydney and Melbourne. This tour announcement follows a period where the singer avoided touring in the United States, citing concerns over immigration enforcement. Instead, he staged an extended residency in his home base of Puerto Rico, further endearing him to his fanbase.
Recent Halftime Performers: A Decade in Review
The Super Bowl halftime show has featured a diverse array of top-tier talent over the past decade, each performing under the same non-payment policy:
- 2026: Bad Bunny
- 2025: Kendrick Lamar
- 2024: Usher
- 2023: Rihanna
- 2022: Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak
- 2021: The Weeknd
- 2020: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez
- 2019: Maroon 5 featuring Big Boi and Travis Scott
- 2018: Justin Timberlake
- 2017: Lady Gaga
- 2016: Coldplay featuring Beyoncé and Bruno Mars
This tradition underscores the NFL's belief that the prestige and visibility of the Super Bowl halftime show are compensation enough, a policy that continues to attract the biggest names in music despite the lack of a direct paycheck.
