Usher and other Super Bowl performers can still make a massive profit from the game, despite the salary being a lot lower than most would think.
LAS VEGAS — Usher is one of the most celebrated R&B artists in the world, with a just-released album and an upcoming national tour.
And he performed at the Super Bowl for basically free.
That's right, for free.
That's because the Super Bowl performers don't really get paid by the NFL to perform. None of the performers slated to take part in the big game — Usher, Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day — will take home a salary for the day's work.
But despite not getting a paycheck for the performance, Usher and the other Super Bowl performers can still make a massive profit from the game. Here's how:
How much do Super Bowl halftime performers make?
Even without a check from the NFL, performers can still get massive exposure from their halftime show singing, which leads to an uptick in music sales and streaming.
Last year's show featured Rihanna's iconic performance while pregnant. She, like decades of halftime artists before her, saw a massive jump in music sales after the performance was watched by an estimated 115 million people — the most-watched television event in U.S. history.
According to data compiled by Forbes, Rihanna's digital album sales climbed by 301%, while digital song sales surged by 390%.
The same thing happened in 2022, when five separate performers — Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem — sang. All of them saw a surge in music sales after their performance was watched live by an estimated 103.4 million people.
Although they won't be putting up big money for performer salaries, the NFL still has a hefty bill paying for the expenses of the halftime show production every year.
Even for a set that usually lasts around 15 minutes, it's arguably one of the most expensive performances to televise. Every light, firework or special effect can add thousands of dollars toward the final bill.
The Weeknd, who performed in 2021, likely offset some of his streaming profits because he reportedly dropped $7 million of his own money for the performance, and although the NFL has not confirmed the total price tag, Forbes estimates the show could have cost as much as $20 million.
NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Newsweek in 2022 that the league doesn't pay halftime performers an "appearance fee, but the artists are indeed paid union scale." But Newsweek reported that under the union agreement that would've been about $1,000 a day for the Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Super Bowl show.
Credit: AP
Usher performs during halftime of Super Bowl 58 Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Do other Super Bowl performers get paid?
Even without Usher, the lineup for the Super Bowl is stacked with talent.
Before kickoff, Reba will sing the national anthem, Post Malone will perform "America the Beautiful" and Andra Day will give a rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
The NFL covers travel expenses for the artists, which is potentially an important plus when Las Vegas' private plane parking situation is expected to be completely packed.
But other than travel and production costs, all of the performers singing at the Super Bowl for free. Whether they see a boost in sales after the fact, well, that's up to the fans.
How much do players get paid for the Super Bowl?
Who is singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl?
That's right, for free. That's because the Super Bowl performers don't really get paid by the NFL to perform. None of the performers slated to take part in the big game — Usher, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire (born March 28, 1955), or simply Reba (/ˈriːbə/ REE-bə), is an American country music singer and actress. Dubbed "the Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
At least not directly. More than 100 million people tune in to the Super Bowl yearly, but the halftime show performers are not typically paid any more than SAG-AFTRA's minimum union rate. For Usher, that amounts to $671.00 for the performance itself, a union spokesperson told Business Insider.
While Super Bowl performers are not paid by the NFL, the production details can be quite pricey. Whether it's for fireworks, LED panels or extravagant entrances, here are some of the most notable halftime shows we have seen and the costs involved: 2001: Aerosmith, NSYNC, $11 million. 2007: Prince, $12 million.
Michael Jackson famously requested $1 million to perform at the 1993 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The NFL said no and he eventually balked and performed for free.
They're not free: The cost per Super Bowl ring can run anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. The New England Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX rings, for instance, cost $36,500 each. A full set of rings for a team can cost upwards of $5 million. Who pays for them: The NFL contributes $5,000 per ring for the first 150 rings.
Do Super Bowl halftime performers get paid? Despite the euphoria surrounding the event, entertainers do not get paid to play the Super Bowl. At least not what they usually make. They only make union scale for the performances, according to AZ Central, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.
In fact, much of the money generated by the Super Bowl is pocketed by the NFL, according to Edwards. While broadcast partners make millions of dollars in advertising, the NFL has several sources of revenue related to the Super Bowl.
While performers like 2017's headliner, Lady Gaga, rake in more than a million dollars per concert when they're on tour, they don't get paid a penny for their Super Bowl appearances.
The surprising truth is that halftime performers aren't paid to perform at the Super Bowl. Per league policy, the NFL covers all costs related to the production of the halftime show, but the talent doesn't take home a paycheck (although the NFL foots the bill for their travel expenses).
That's right, for free. That's because the Super Bowl performers don't really get paid by the NFL to perform. None of the performers slated to take part in the big game — Usher, Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day — will take home a salary for the day's work.
When the Chiefs did end up coming out on top during Sunday's game at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium, Drake also revealed what he planned to do with his winning sum — which actually amounted to over $2.3 million — and how he was going to make one fan very lucky.
Brian McCarthy, the NFL's vice president of communications, told Newsweek in 2022: “The NFL covers all costs associated with the show and does pay the performers union scale. There is not an appearance fee, but the artists are indeed paid union scale.”
The latest collective bargaining agreement between the NFL Players Association and the NFL dictates that each member of the winning team will receive $164,000, a $7,000 bump over last year's total. Winners of the 2025 Super Bowl will receive $171,000.
Usher performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada, Feb. 11, 2024. There was a giant marching band, dancers on roller skates, a red piano, and a star-studded stream of stars joining Usher on the stadium stage during his 13-minute performance.
According to Equity Atlas, a Super Bowl-winning owner can expect to earn about $30 million from the NFL. Furthermore, winning the Super Bowl is known to boost a franchise's overall value significantly. According to a report, a Super Bowl win can increase a franchise's value by an estimated 20-30%.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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