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For most musicians, performing at the Super Bowl halftime show is considered the pinnacle of their careers. However, this prestigious gig does not come with a hefty paycheck. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, is set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but he will not receive a performance fee.
The NFL’s longstanding policy is to refrain from paying artists for their halftime performances. Instead, the league covers the costs associated with production, staging, and other related expenses. An NFL spokesperson previously explained to Forbes,
“We do not pay the artists.”
This policy remains unchanged despite the participation of some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Usher.
The Value of Exposure
The NFL argues that the exposure artists receive from performing at the Super Bowl is far more valuable than any monetary compensation. The 2025 Super Bowl, for instance, attracted over 127 million viewers worldwide, providing halftime headliner Kendrick Lamar with unparalleled global visibility.
While artists do not receive appearance fees, the production itself is a significant financial undertaking. Estimates suggest that set budgets can exceed $21 million. According to Sports Illustrated, performers are paid a minimum rate for their time, including rehearsals, which, in Usher’s case, reportedly amounted to just a few thousand dollars.
Bad Bunny’s Career Milestones
Bad Bunny’s appearance at the Super Bowl comes at a high point in his career. He recently made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards by winning Album of the Year for “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,” adding two more trophies to his growing collection. Following the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny will embark on a global tour, with scheduled performances in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.
This upcoming tour marks a return to international stages after the artist chose to avoid touring in the United States due to concerns over immigration enforcement. Instead, he opted for an extended residency in Puerto Rico, his home base.
Historical Context of Super Bowl Performances
The Super Bowl halftime show has a rich history of iconic performances. Over the past decade, a diverse array of artists has taken the stage:
- 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
Looking Ahead
As Bad Bunny prepares to take the stage at the 2026 Super Bowl, the conversation surrounding the NFL’s payment policy for halftime performers continues. While the league maintains that the exposure is invaluable, the debate over fair compensation for artists remains a relevant issue in the entertainment industry.
With the global tour on the horizon, Bad Bunny’s career trajectory is set to soar even higher, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the music world. Fans eagerly await his Super Bowl performance, which promises to be a memorable highlight in an already illustrious career.
