At a Glance
- Puppy Bowl 2026 will feature 150 pooches from 72 shelters on Sunday, Feb. 8.
- The event starts at 2 p.m. ET and airs on HBO Max, Discovery Plus, Discovery, Animal Planet, TBS, and TruTV.
- Highlights include a halftime senior-dog exhibition and 15 special-needs pups.
- Why it matters: Fans can enjoy a heart-warming alternative to the Super Bowl while supporting animal adoption.
The 22nd edition of the Puppy Bowl, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8, brings together a record-setting lineup of 150 puppies from 72 shelters to compete for the Lombarky trophy. The show will run for three hours, offering a mix of playful competition, heart-warming adoption moments, and a unique halftime event celebrating senior dogs.
Event Overview
Puppy Bowl 2026, the canine counterpart to the Super Bowl, will showcase an unprecedented number of participants. The event is divided into two teams-Team Ruff and Team Fluff-each representing a group of puppies that will compete in a mock football game.
- Participants: 150 puppies, including 15 special-needs pups.
- Shelters represented: 72 across the country.
- Teams: Team Ruff vs. Team Fluff.
- Prize: The Lombarky trophy.
The show will feature play-by-play commentary from sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks, puppy cheer squads, and a halftime exhibition game featuring Team Oldies and Team Goldies-both composed of senior dogs.
How to Watch
The broadcast will begin at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) on Sunday, Feb. 8. A pre-game segment, the Puppy Combine, will air an hour earlier at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). The event is simulcast across multiple platforms:
- HBO Max
- Discovery Plus
- Discovery Channel
- Animal Planet
- TBS
- TruTV
All services will stream the full three-hour program, including the pre-game show.
Streaming Options
Below is a quick guide to the available streaming services and their pricing plans. Choose the one that best fits your budget and viewing preferences.
HBO Max Pricing
| Plan | Monthly (with ads) | Monthly (ad-free) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic With Ads | $11 | – |
| Standard | $18.50 | – |
| Premium | $23 | – |
All plans also offer annual billing options at $110, $185, and $230, respectively.
Discovery Plus
- $6 per month with ads.
- $10 per month without ads.
Philo
- Provides access to Discovery and Animal Planet.
- Includes Lifetime, TLC, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, A&E, AMC, and more.
- $33 per month, which also grants ad-based access to HBO Max and Discovery Plus.
Sling TV
- Orange plan: $46 per month.
- Blue plan: $55 per month (price varies by location).
- The Blue plan includes Discovery and TruTV, both of which broadcast the Puppy Bowl.
> For those who prefer a bundled experience, a HBO Max + Hulu + Disney + Plus bundle is available, as is a student discount for HBO Max.
Schedule
The event’s timeline is packed with action and heart-warming moments. Below is a concise schedule of key segments.
| Time (ET) | Segment |
|---|---|
| 1 p.m. | Puppy Combine pre-game show |
| 2 p.m. | Start of the main game |
| 3 p.m. | Mid-game commentary and puppy cheer squads |
| 4 p.m. | Halftime senior-dog exhibition (Team Oldies vs. Team Goldies) |
| 5 p.m. | Final play-by-play, trophy presentation |
| 5:30 p.m. | Closing remarks and adoption highlights |
The show will run for three hours, ensuring plenty of content for fans of all ages.
Special Features
Puppy Bowl 2026 introduces several new elements that add depth and excitement to the broadcast.
- 15 special-needs pups: A highlight of the event, showcasing dogs with various needs and encouraging adoption.
- Senior-dog exhibition: A first-ever halftime event featuring older dogs, promoting awareness of senior pet care.
- Celebrity segment: A brief feature on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir and his Boston terrier-beagle, Button, who both appear in the Puppy Bowl.
- Backstory segments: Short vignettes detailing the journeys of select puppies, offering viewers an emotional connection.
- Puppy Combine: Ten dogs perform practice drills in hopes of being the top pick in the Puppy Bowl draft.
Key Takeaways
- Puppy Bowl 2026 is the largest canine event yet, featuring 150 puppies from 72 shelters.
- The event airs on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. ET across multiple streaming platforms.
- Streaming options range from HBO Max ($11-$23/month) to Discovery Plus, Philo, and Sling TV.
- The show includes unique segments such as a senior-dog exhibition, special-needs pups, and a celebrity highlight.
- Viewers can support animal adoption while enjoying a fun, family-friendly alternative to the Super Bowl.
Enjoy the festivities, cheer for your favorite team, and consider adopting a puppy after the show-each pup has a loving home waiting.
