Puppy Bowl 2026 start time, where to watch, live stream
Today marks Super Bowl Sunday and of course, that means one thing above all others — the Puppy Bowl is here! (Okay, we may be joking … emphasis on the words “may be.”) This has long been an extremely fun event, but also a valuable one when it comes to encouraging animal adoption all over the entire country.
So where can you check it out this year? Well, let’s begin here with a reminder that you will actually have an opportunity to both watch and/or live stream it, depending on where you are.
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First and foremost, here’s a note that the festivities formally begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, meaning that you have a chance to get into it prior to the start of the big game. Think of as the perfect appetizer, or even if you are football-focused, a more notable pre-game show than anything that you are going to see anywhere else.
If you want to get a few more details about the Puppy Bowl, let’s just turn things over to the official press release for the event:
This year’s three-hour sports spectacular includes a record-breaking 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands and will feature heartwarming adoption stories and show-stopping matchups. Referee Dan Schachner returns for his 15th year to oversee the action, ensuring fair play as these furry athletes compete for championship glory and their forever homes.
“Puppy Bowl XXII celebrates the spirit of the underdog with a gameday celebration that combines the excitement of a sports matchup with uplifting adoption stories,” said Joseph Boyle, Head of Content, Discovery Channel. “By introducing new segments like our senior spotlight and enhancing fan-favorite elements, we are creating a deeper connection to our audience and delivering the most entertaining sports spectacular on television.”
The show starts with Schachner rounding up players at the MARRIOTT BONVOY Puppy Bowl Hotel as they get ready for the big game. Then, the action begins at PROGRESSIVE® Stadium when the PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup sprint through the spirit tunnel to take the field. Reigning champions Team Fluff will send players including Benito (Siberian Husky-Chihuahua from Puerto Rico) and Showgirl (Chow Chow-Rottweiler) to defend their title. Meanwhile, Lobster Roll (Bulldog-Border Collie), Brûlée (Boston Terrier-French Bulldog), and Miso (American Cattle Dog-Beagle) will compete to bring the coveted WALMART “Lombarky” trophy to Team Ruff. As the game unfolds, one standout pup will earn the prestigious BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) title while another will claim the SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. Underdog Award.
Fifteen special needs dogs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three-legs, and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired, will also compete to prove that nothing can hold them back.
If you would have told us decades ago that this would have become such a tradition, we’re not sure we would have believed it. Yet, here we are, and we are certainly happy to get back into it once more.
What are you the most eager to see when it comes to the Puppy Bowl this year?
Be sure to share right now in the attached comments! Once you do just that, remember to come back — there are some more updates on the way.