The Weeknd’s 2021 Super Bowl halftime show has the highest figure in Pro Football Network’s published list: an estimated $17 million. That is a reported production-cost estimate, not an official NFL budget or a performer’s paycheck. Other outlets publish sharply different figures, and the available sources do not establish a consistent accounting method—so this is a ranking of one outlet’s estimates, not a definitive all-time ranking.
Most expensive Super Bowl halftime shows in one published ranking
Pro Football Network’s 2024 list supplies the most internally consistent set of figures available here. The table ranks those estimates as reported by that outlet; the game years below are calendar years, rather than NFL season labels.
| Rank | Halftime performance | Game year | Reported production-cost estimate | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Weeknd | 2021 | $17 million | Pro Football Network, 2024; reported estimate, not an audited total. |
| 2 | Jennifer Lopez and Shakira | 2020 | $13 million | Pro Football Network, 2024; reported estimate, not an audited total. |
| 3 | Prince | 2007 | $12 million | Pro Football Network, 2024; reported estimate, not an audited total. |
| 4 | Aerosmith and NSYNC | 2001 | $11 million | Pro Football Network, 2024; reported estimate, not an audited total. |
| 5 | Lady Gaga | 2017 | $10 million | Pro Football Network, 2024; reported estimate, not an audited total. |
These figures should not be read as verified budgets. The cited list does not establish that each estimate includes the same production categories or uses the same accounting basis.
Why there is no settled all-time ranking
Published estimates conflict. Apostle Sports Media’s March 2025 ranking, for example, gives approximately $20 million to Kendrick Lamar’s performance, approximately $20 million to the 2022 West Coast Legends performance, approximately $13 million to Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, $10 million to Lady Gaga, and around $600,000 to Beyoncé. Those claims differ substantially from Pro Football Network’s figures. Its labeling of Lamar’s performance as “Super Bowl 58, 2024” is also incorrect: the NFL identifies Lamar with the 2025 Super Bowl LIX show in its official announcement and halftime page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
The figures come from secondary-source rankings, not a comparable set of official NFL disclosures. The sources reviewed do not provide a league budget ledger, audited show-by-show totals, or a shared definition of production cost. An apparent difference in dollar amounts therefore cannot, by itself, establish which show truly cost more.
What a halftime-show “cost” includes—and what it does not
The reported amounts concern production, not the headliner’s appearance fee. The Associated Press says the NFL handles production costs and performer expenses. TIME, citing NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy, likewise reports that the NFL covers production costs and that performers receive union-scale pay. Neither description makes a published production estimate equivalent to money paid to the artist.
Coverage of production mentions elements such as stages, props, costumes, set designs, and lighting. But the cited rankings do not provide comparable show-by-show breakdowns, nor do they establish whether every estimate includes the same elements. Treat the numbers as attributed claims rather than like-for-like accounting.
How the halftime show became a major music platform
The NFL’s move toward prominent pop and rock headliners accelerated around Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance. The Associated Press quotes NFL head of music Seth Dudowsky: “That certainly was the one that changed the course of pop stars and major musicians taking that stage seriously.” The shift was from marching-band and variety-style entertainment toward artists selected to connect with contemporary culture.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
The modern production also involves partners and production teams. The NFL’s 2023 Rihanna announcement names Apple Music, the NFL, and Roc Nation as partners, and identifies Roc Nation and Jesse Collins as executive producers and Hamish Hamilton as director. The NFL’s 2025 Bad Bunny announcement likewise names Apple Music, the NFL, and Roc Nation and provides production credits. These announcements describe roles; they do not disclose individual show costs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why artists may value the exposure
Production cost is only one part of the show’s economics. TIME reported that Kendrick Lamar’s U.S. Spotify streams rose 173% after his 2025 halftime performance, while streams of “Not Like Us” increased 430%. Those are TIME-reported streaming figures, not budget data. They illustrate why a high-profile performance may have promotional value beyond the production spend, without showing what an artist earned or what a show cost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially licensed 2026 Super Bowl Football
- Bring home the only officially sanctioned fan version of the Super Bowl game ball today.
- Official Leather Ball with Team Names and Location inscribed on ball
Rank #4
- Team Halftime Super Football Day Group Matching Tees
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
