If you thought the Super Bowl was just about touchdowns and halftime shows, think again. This year, the real game-changer is the price tag for those flashy 30-second commercials. Fox, the network airing the big game, initially aimed for $7 million per slot—already a record high. But thanks to overwhelming demand, some ads are now selling for a jaw-dropping $8 million.

That’s right, eight million bucks for half a minute of screen time. Why the spike? The Super Bowl is a ratings juggernaut, drawing in millions of viewers across the U.S. and beyond. Companies are willing to pay top dollar to get their message in front of that massive audience.

Interestingly, a few brands that had originally secured ad spots decided to back out. But don’t worry—those slots didn’t stay empty for long. Other companies jumped in, allowing Fox to push the price even higher. Those who passed? Their ads will still air, just on other Fox programs instead.

So who’s shelling out millions this year? Big names like Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Squarespace have already confirmed their spots, with more advertisers likely to reveal their plans as the February 9 game approaches.

This year’s record-breaking ad prices set a new benchmark, proving once again that the Super Bowl isn’t just a sports event—it’s a cultural phenomenon. And in the world of advertising, it’s the ultimate stage.

Next year, who knows? We might be talking about $9 million commercials. For now, though, $8 million is the number to beat. Ready for some epic ads? Stay tuned!