ESPN Takes On-Air Talent, 'Toy Story 5' Stars To Super Bowl LXI And Beyond
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 05:46PM By Barry Janoff
June 3, 2026: ESPN has taken the next step in its march to Super Bowl LXI as part of its “Year of the Super Bowl.”
A new multi-media spot unites characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 with on-air ESPN talent, turning many of them into Toy Story characters.
ESPN will air its first Super Bowl on Feb. 14, 2027, from SoFi Stadium.
It will also air on ABC, which previously has aired Super Bowl XXII (1988), Super Bowl XXV (1991), Super Bowl XXIX (1995), Super Bowl XXXIV (2000), Super Bowl XXVII (2003) and Super Bowl XL (2006).
ESPN has also signed an agreement with TelevisaUnivision for broadcast rights in the United States, meaning that there will be two Spanish-language telecasts for the game in February 2027 in SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.
Under the agreement, ESPN Deportes and Univision will each produce and air separate Spanish-language presentations, including dedicated commentary teams for each broadcast.
ESPN said the vast majority of its Super Bowl LXI pregame coverage will originate in and around SoFi Stadium.
Beyond the broadcast compound and fan activation footprint, ESPN said its plans include a “mix of organized events for fans to gather and watch, along with free, open-air activities inviting participation and engagement along the beachfront.
ESPN will also have a presence in Los Angeles and other Southern California locations, including Disneyland Resort and Santa Monica Beach — alongside the historic Santa Monica Pier — as part of the company’s wider Super Bowl efforts.
This past February, immediately following Super Bowl LX, Disney and ESPN launched a 12-month, multi-platform effort building toward Super Bowl LXI,
The new ad, “Toy Story 5.5,” featuries animated versions of ESPN Super Bowl commentators Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters along with action figures of ESPN personalities Pat McAfee, Adam Schefter, Peyton and Eli Manning, Randy Moss and Jason Kelce. ESPN mascot App-E also makes a cameo appearance.
The spot opens with an office exchange between Laura Rutledge, who will also be part of the Super Bowl broadcasting team, and NFL analyst Marcus Spears. The two are having dialogue around why the toy action figures aren’t being packed because they need to “hold the fort down” while everyone heads to Los Angeles for Super Bowl LXI. However, the toys didn’t get the memo.
In true Toy Story fashion, the toy figurines come to life and set out on their own journey from Bristol, CT to Los Angeles, alongside Woody, Buzz Lightyear and friends. “To Super Bowl 61 and beyond,” exclaims Buzz.
ESPN’s buildup has included two previous spots.
The “We’re Going” spot featured a roster of Disney stars, including from Star Wars, Marvel, Toy Story, The Simpsons, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peyton and Eli Manning and Sesame Street.
“On The Clock For Super Bowl LXI” takes place in a staff room at ESPN, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell comes out to the tone used during the NFL Draft. “With the 61st pick of the Super Bowl, the National Football League selects ESPN.”
"‘We’re Going’ is about inviting fans along for the ride as ESPN prepares to produce its first Super Bowl,” Jo Fox, ESPN svp-marketing, said via the network. “Each new piece of creative is an opportunity to celebrate our Year of the Super Bowl in a way that feels big, fun, and unexpected, just like the game itself.”
Toy Story 5 opens only in theaters on June 19.
Beachfront Property: ESPN Plans Santa Monica Takeover During Super Bowl LXI
On The Clock’: ESPN Gets Creative For Its First Super Bowl (LXI) Broadcast
ESPN Expands Super Bowl LXI Broadcast Reach With TelevisaUnivision Alliance
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