Big Game Star Pay: How Much Celebs Earned for the 2026 Super Bowl Ads

For the biggest televised event of the year, brands pay a fortune for a chance to show their products to millions. The 2026 Super Bowl cost between $7 million and $10 million for a single commercial spot, but the real question is how much the famous faces in those spots earned. Industry experts say that contracts vary wildly. One creative agency executive, who wished to remain anonymous, said a typical A‑list star might make between $3 million and $5 million for a Super Bowl ad. Other executives added that top talent could reach up to $10 million, depending on the script, scale and creative control. However, rising media costs have pushed talent fees downward. A senior agent at a major talent agency noted that almost all performers earned less than $5 million this year, with most landing in the $1 million to $3 million band. Only a few outliers broke through that ceiling.To keep budgets in check, brands are turning to smaller roles. Cameos that last only a day or two can command fees in the five‑ or six‑figure range, and some A‑list names even earned low seven‑figures for a brief appearance. Directors face a different calculation. A seasoned director’s day rate can jump from $30 000 to $50 000, and hiring a big name often means bringing along their trusted crew—cinematographers, stylists and casting directors—which adds to the cost. Production costs alone can range from $900 000 to $4 million, depending on days and scope. The bottom line is that even the most expensive Super Bowl ads are carefully budgeted. Brands weigh star power against production costs, and a famous name does not automatically guarantee a higher rate simply because the ad will air during the game. Overall, the 2026 Super Bowl highlighted how advertising budgets are balanced with talent fees, creative ambition and audience reach.