On Sunday, February 8, 2026, as football fans gear up for Super Bowl LX, another much-anticipated sporting spectacle will take center stage: Puppy Bowl XXII. This annual event, now in its 22nd year, has become a beloved pre-game tradition, shining a spotlight on adoptable dogs from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. Before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face off on the gridiron, 150 furry "players"—each with their own story—will dash, tumble, and tug their way into viewers' hearts.
The Puppy Bowl has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2005, when it debuted as creative counter-programming to the Super Bowl. According to Warner Bros. Discovery, it is "the original and longest running call-to-adoption television event." This year, the event is bigger than ever, featuring a record-breaking 150 dogs from 72 shelters and rescue organizations. The action kicks off at 2 p.m. ET, with an hour-long pregame show starting at 1 p.m. ET, and will be simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+ (as reported by Fox TV and multiple other outlets). For those without cable, streaming services like Fubo and DIRECTV are offering free trials, while Sling and Philo provide budget-friendly options and even day passes for viewers who just want to catch the Puppy Bowl live.
The event itself is a three-hour romp featuring two teams—Team Fluff and Team Ruff—each vying for the coveted "Lombarky Trophy." The puppies, all of whom are adoptable, are given playful nicknames such as "Slick Rick" or "J-Paw," and each boasts a specialty, from "epic end zone dance" to "unstoppable tail wag." The rules are simple: a touchdown is scored when a puppy crosses any goal line with a toy in its mouth. But the real winners are the dogs themselves, many of whom find loving homes as a result of their big game debut. As longtime Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner told USA Today, "We're transparent about that. Our goal is to find them their forever home."
This year’s Puppy Bowl is also putting a special emphasis on inclusivity. Fifteen special needs dogs are taking the field, including Wynonna—a determined pup who plays on three legs—and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired. Their participation is a powerful reminder that every dog, regardless of ability, deserves a chance at a happy life. As Victoria Schade, the show’s lead dog trainer and wrangler, explained to The Associated Press, "Everyone wants the puppy and, unfortunately, the reality of puppyhood is it’s tough. I think people don’t realize that until they’re deep in the thick of it. That’s the beauty of an older dog, an adult dog, a senior dog: They bring a different sort of calm."
In line with that sentiment, Puppy Bowl XXII is introducing a brand-new halftime show featuring senior dogs. The "Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown" will see Team Oldies face off against Team Goldies, giving older canines a chance to shine and reminding viewers that senior dogs are just as deserving of adoption as their younger counterparts. Joseph Boyle, Discovery Channel's head of content, summed up the event’s spirit: "Puppy Bowl XXII celebrates the spirit of the underdog with a game day celebration that combines the excitement of a sports matchup with uplifting adoption stories. 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."
This year’s roster is as diverse as ever. Team Fluff, the reigning champions after a narrow 68-66 victory over Team Ruff in Puppy Bowl XXI, returns with standout players like Benito (a Siberian Husky-Chihuahua mix from The Sato Project in Brooklyn), Showgirl (a Chow Chow-Rottweiler mix from Kentucky), and Wynonna, the three-legged wonder. Team Ruff counters with stars like Brûlée (a Boston Terrier-French Bulldog mix from Virginia), Miss Coco (an American Staffordshire Terrier-Chow Chow mix from the British Virgin Islands), and RuPAW (a Boston Terrier from Georgia). Each dog’s journey is showcased throughout the broadcast, often featuring behind-the-scenes looks at shelter staff cheering on their canine athletes.
The Puppy Bowl is not just about the action on the field. It’s a multimedia event that brings together animal lovers, sports fans, and families for a cause that resonates far beyond the confines of the TV screen. Sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks will provide play-by-play and commentary, while Dan Schachner returns for his 15th consecutive year as referee, keeping the puppies in line (as much as that’s possible!).
For those eager to get even more involved, this year introduces the "Pupularity Playoffs," a fan-voted bracket to determine the "Most Pupular" dog from the starting lineup. Voting opens on February 8, adding a layer of friendly competition for viewers at home. And for anyone curious about the fate of these canine competitors, rest assured: all the dogs featured are available for adoption, and many are already spoken for by the time the show airs, thanks to their irresistible charm. Even the Puppy Bowl crew sometimes can’t resist taking one home.
The event’s reach is vast, with local shelters across the country rallying behind their representatives. For example, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Southwest Michigan is cheering on their pup, Dan, who will compete for Team Ruff this year. Big Lake Humane Society’s Shishi also joins Team Ruff, while Mia Muffin is on Team Fluff. Watch parties, social media campaigns, and community events have sprung up nationwide, all centered on the shared goal of finding forever homes for these deserving dogs.
Accessibility has also been a priority. Viewers without cable have more ways than ever to tune in, with Fubo and DIRECTV offering free trials, while Philo and Sling provide affordable monthly or even daily access. This ensures that anyone who wants to watch the Puppy Bowl can do so, regardless of their TV setup.
As the anticipation builds for Super Bowl LX, the Puppy Bowl offers a heartwarming alternative, blending the excitement of sports with the life-changing mission of pet adoption. It’s a reminder that, for one afternoon, the gridiron belongs to the underdogs—literally. Whether you’re rooting for Team Fluff, Team Ruff, or just hoping every pup finds a loving home, Puppy Bowl XXII promises to deliver plenty of smiles, tail wags, and maybe even a few happy tears.
With record participation, new features like the senior dog halftime showcase, and a steadfast commitment to adoption, Puppy Bowl XXII is set to be the fluffiest, most meaningful game day yet.