Can Muslims watch the Super Bowl?

Yes, Muslims can watch the Super Bowl. The game itself is just sport, and watching it is allowed. What needs managing is everything around it: betting, alcohol where you watch, some commercials and the halftime show. You can skip what you dislike and still enjoy it with friends.

The game is fine

Scholars generally treat watching sport as permitted entertainment, as long as it does not involve something haram and does not make you neglect prayer, family or work. The Super Bowl is usually an evening broadcast, so plan your Maghrib and Isha prayers around it. Pray before kickoff or during a break.

Betting is the biggest issue

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest betting days of the year. Betting apps, squares with cash entry, office pools and prop bets are all gambling, and the Quran lists gambling next to intoxicants as "evil of Satan's handiwork" (Quran 5:90). Watching without betting is completely fine. See Is sports betting haram?

The halftime show and the ads

Some halftime performances and commercials include immodest dress, and some ads promote alcohol or betting apps. You are not obliged to watch them.

قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمْ "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity." Quran 24:30

The next verse gives the same guidance to believing women. In practice, this can be as simple as muting the ads, going to the kitchen or using halftime to pray. You do not need to turn the whole game into a debate.

Watching with friends

At home: serve halal snacks and soft drinks, and check dips and sauces for hidden ingredients.
At a bar or party with alcohol: think carefully. See Can I go to a bar with friends if I only drink soda? A home or a community centre screening may be easier.
With non-Muslim friends: it is a friendly way to be part of the gathering. Quietly stepping out to pray is usually respected.
With kids: choose a version of the day that suits them and skip adult commercials.

If you are hosting, see Can Muslims have a Super Bowl party?

Keep it in proportion

A game, the pre-show and the post-game talk can take up a whole day. Enjoy it, but keep your obligations. The Prophet ﷺ said that there are two blessings many people lose: health and free time (Sahih al-Bukhari 6412). A few hours with friends is fine, as long as free time is not simply drained away every weekend.

Key points

Watching the game is allowed.
Do not bet, including squares and office pools with a cash entry.
You can skip or mute immodest ads and parts of the halftime show.
Keep your prayers and avoid places where alcohol is the main event.

Tip: Agree on a halftime plan with your friends: food, a quick prayer in a quiet room and no betting talk. It keeps the day relaxed for everybody.