Taylor Swift will not headline the Super Bowl halftime show, ending months of rumors. According to Complex, the NFL turned down conditions set by Swift’s team, conditions that matched her global status.
For decades, the NFL has followed a no-payment tradition, saying the show’s 100+ million viewers are payment enough. Stars like Shakira and The Weeknd have accepted that. But Swift, who is already one of the world’s biggest music names, reportedly wanted more than exposure.
Insiders say Swift asked for creative control over the show and a deal reflecting her true market value, not just free promotion. “Taylor knows her worth,” one source said. “She wasn’t going to give away the ratings and global buzz she creates for nothing.”
The NFL has benefited hugely from Swift’s presence before. Games where she was seen supporting Travis Kelce and the Chiefs boosted TV ratings by up to nine percent—all without her performing.
With Swift out, the league is now looking at other big names like Adele and Miley Cyrus. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had once hinted Swift could headline if she wanted, but her expectations clearly went beyond a simple invitation.
