This is standard NFL policy for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The league does not pay artists a large appearance fee. Instead, performers receive only a modest union-mandated scale payment—typically a minimum required under union agreements, often around $1,000 per day for rehearsals and the show itself, based on reports from past events. The NFL covers all production costs, which can reach $10 million or more, including staging, effects, rehearsals, travel expenses for the artist and entourage, and other logistics.
Artists accept this arrangement because the exposure is unparalleled. The halftime show attracts an audience of over 100 million viewers in the U.S. alone, plus global broadcasts, offering invaluable promotion for their music, tours, and brand. Many past performers, from legends like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to recent headliners like Usher and Kendrick Lamar, have viewed the slot as a prestigious honor that boosts their careers far beyond any direct payment.
Bad Bunny’s selection, announced in September 2025 in partnership with Apple Music and Roc Nation, underscores the NFL’s aim to deliver diverse, global entertainment moments. The performance is expected to highlight his creativity and connect with a broad audience.
What are your thoughts on this longstanding NFL tradition? Will you be tuning in for the game and Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated halftime set? Share in the comments below!