Taylor Swift will not perform at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show, industry insider Rob Shuter reported on September 26, 2025. The NFL approached the global superstar but declined her conditions: full ownership of her performance rights and advertising slots to promote her projects.
The NFL traditionally offers exposure instead of payment for halftime performers. A source close to Swift told Shuter, “Taylor Swift doesn’t need exposure.” An executive added, “She was asking for respect, not favours.” Swift’s global influence, with over 280 million Spotify listeners (as of 2024), makes her a ratings magnet, but the league refused her terms.
‼️| Apparently Taylor Swift declined to perform at the 2026 Super Bowl half-time show because the NFL wouldn’t offer terms that reflected her value
— She wanted ownership of the performance footage pic.twitter.com/PqY22YHUrB
— Taylor Swift Edits (@TSwiftEdits_13) September 25, 2025Insiders emphasised Swift’s stance. “She wanted a deal that reflected her value,” one said. Another noted, “Without Taylor, it’s just another halftime show.” Past performers, such as Beyoncé and The Weeknd, accepted no direct pay, but Swift’s firm demands challenge the NFL’s model.
Read: Taylor Swift to Appear on Graham Norton Show for ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Album Release
Swift’s decision redefines expectations for top artists at major events. Her influence, driving 1.6 billion streams in a single week (Billboard, 2024), sets her apart. The rejection highlights tensions between artist control and event branding, impacting future negotiations.
Taylor Swift’s refusal to perform at Super Bowl 2025 underscores her demand for fair terms. The NFL’s loss sparks debate on artist value.
