San Francisco’s Moscone Center hosted a celebratory press conference the morning after the Seattle Seahawks’ dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Super Bowl Week Generates $500 Million Economic Impact
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell opened the event by proclaiming the league experienced an outstanding week in the Bay Area. Concerns over potential clashes between ICE agents and protesters did not arise, allowing fans to enjoy Bad Bunny’s energetic halftime performance.
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York highlighted the event’s financial success, stating, “We’ve generated about $500 million of economic impact in the Bay Area this week. Over 100,000 room nights at hotels, countless community events, and close to $10 million donated back to the community just this week.”
Handover to Los Angeles for Super Bowl LXI
Officials passed hosting duties for Super Bowl LXI to Los Angeles representatives, including a ceremonial football. Just four years after LA’s previous Super Bowl, the league’s robust revenue stream supports such frequent returns.
The NFL surpassed $23 billion in revenue in 2024, positioning it to exceed Goodell’s $25 billion goal for 2027 ahead of schedule with 2025 figures.
League Expansion and Player Benefits Ahead
Heading into 2026, the NFL schedules nine overseas games to grow its global presence while owners advocate for an 18th regular-season game. Rising revenues drive a higher salary cap and rookie contracts under CBA guidelines.
Key Free Agency Moves Propel Champions
The Seahawks invested $100 million over three years in quarterback Sam Darnold, who delivered another 4,000-yard season. They also acquired wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, bolstering an elite defense.
New England signed defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million deal. Their defense ranked fourth in yards allowed and eighth in points surrendered, aiding Williams’ return to the Super Bowl.
Salary Cap Surge Reshapes Rosters
The 2026 salary cap projects to rise over $20 million per team, reaching $301.2 million to $305.7 million. This marks rapid growth from $200 million in 2022 and $63.2 million at the millennium’s start.
Los Angeles Rams, featuring 2025 MVP Matthew Stafford, gain $40 million in cap space after a near-NFC Championship run.
Kansas City Chiefs face challenges, $57 million over the cap post-playoff miss. Travis Kelce eyes a return with Eric Bieniemy’s offense, while Patrick Mahomes recovers from knee surgery. Holding the ninth draft pick, they target Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love.
Draft Highlights and Coaching Shifts
Pittsburgh hosts the draft, spotlighting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected No. 1 to Las Vegas unless traded. Aaron Rodgers may reunite with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, his former Green Bay collaborator.
The league saw 10 coaching changes, including John Harbaugh’s move from Baltimore to New York Giants.
2026 NFL Outlook
Upstarts like Seattle, New England, and Denver rise, but the NFL’s financial dominance persists, setting up another California-hosted celebration.
