Each year, the Super Bowl’s official number is tied to the season and date of the game, not the calendar year in which it airs. This guide explains how the NFL assigns numbers to Super Bowls, shows concrete examples and verified details, and provides reliable sources so you can confidently determine what Super Bowl is occurring this year. Whether you are confirming a date for planning or clarifying conversation, the following evergreen explanation removes ambiguity with facts and context.
How the Super Bowl Numbering System Works
The Super Bowl number is sequential and tied to the season year. It is generally determined by subtracting 1965 from the calendar year in which the regular season began. That number is then presented as a Roman numeral. For example, the 2024 season produced Super Bowl LIX because the 2024–2025 regular season counted as the 59th game since 1965.
Because the Super Bowl is sometimes played in late January or early February of a given calendar year, it can carry the number of the prior Roman numeral for much of that year. This causes confusion, so it helps to look at the season label (e.g., 2024 season) rather than the calendar year alone.
Key Definitions and Context
Understanding a few core terms prevents mistakes when stating the Super Bowl number.
- Season year: The year in which the regular season begins (e.g., the 2024 season starts in September 2024).
- Roman numeral: The official designation of the Super Bowl, derived from the season’s sequence number.
- AFC and NFC: The two conferences that compete against each other in the game.
- Host venue and city: Determined several years in advance and separate from the numbering system.
- Date: Typically on a Sunday in late January or early February, specified annually by the league.
How to Determine This Year’s Super Bowl Number
To identify the number for any given year, follow this evergreen approach:
- Identify the season start year (usually the earlier year in the fall).
- Confirm whether the Super Bowl has already occurred in that calendar year or will occur later.
- Use the known sequence formula or an authoritative source to confirm the Roman numeral.
Because rules and formulas seem simple but real-world dates vary, cross-checking with official NFL and league partners is recommended, especially for planning events or making time-sensitive references.
Recent and Upcoming Super Bowl Examples
The table below provides verified details for recent and upcoming Super Bowls to anchor the numbering logic.
| Season Start Year | Official Roman Numeral | Game Date | Host City | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | LIV | February 2, 2020 | Miami, FL | NFL |
| 2021 | LV | February 7, 2021 | Tampa, FL | NFL |
| 2022 | LVI | February 13, 2022 | Inglewood, CA | NFL |
| 2023 | LVII | February 12, 2023 | Glendale, AZ | NFL |
| 2024 | LVIII | February 11, 2024 | Kansas City, MO | NFL |
| 2025 | LIX | February 8, 2025 | New Orleans, LA | NFL |
Practical Examples for Reference
Here are concise, high-information examples to help you communicate clearly about Super Bowl numbers.
- 2020 season (game in early 2020): Super Bowl LIV, the 54th game.
- 2022 season (game in early 2022): Super Bowl LVI, the 56th game.
- 2024 season (game in early 2024): Super Bowl LVIII, the 58th game.
- 2025 season (game in early 2025): Super Bowl LIX, the 59th game.
Frequently Asked Questions
These points clarify common questions and reduce confusion.
- Why does the Super Bowl number sometimes refer to the prior calendar year? Because the game occurs within the season that started the prior year, and numbering follows the season start.
- Can the Super Bowl number change after it is announced? No, the NFL assigns a fixed number when the season schedule is released; it does not change.
- Do all years have a Super Bowl? Yes, every season since 1967 has had one, even if it is sometimes colloquially called by a different shorthand name.
- What is the best source to confirm the number and date? The official NFL website and the league’s verified media resources are the most authoritative.
Why Accurate Numbering Matters
Correct numbering supports clear communication for media, planning, and research. Misstating the number can confuse timelines, archival references, and promotional materials. Using the season start year and verified sources ensures accuracy and credibility in professional and personal contexts.
Next Steps and Verification
To determine what Super Bowl is this year with confidence, identify the season start year, check whether the game has occurred, and confirm the Roman numeral via the NFL or an official partner. Relying on these evergreen principles and authoritative sources keeps your understanding precise regardless of headlines or calendar shifts.