ESPN and Apple Music are teaming up to curate music for Monday Night Football during the 2026-27 NFL season. The partnership comes as ESPN prepares to broadcast its first Super Bowl.
What We Know: Apple Music will curate music for select Monday Night Football games throughout the upcoming season. The partnership expands ESPN’s recent tradition of working with major artists and music brands to shape the sound of its NFL coverage. Previously, ESPN collaborated with Saweetie, J Balvin, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake, Marshmello, Drake, DJ Khaled, and Diplo. This time, Apple Music will provide music for ESPN’s promotional spots, live telecasts, and Monday Night Countdown. The first selection is Lil Baby’s recently released single “Dead Fresh,” which will appear in ESPN’s Week 1 promotional efforts. The season begins Monday, September 14, when the Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs at 8 p.m. ET. Additionally, Apple Music’s weekly selections will feature during Week 5, Week 7, Week 13, Week 15, and the Week 18 doubleheader.
What They Said: “Lil Baby sets the tone at kickoff for us. The sound, energy, and moment are right, just like Pharrell’s beat. This is the biggest season yet for ESPN, and Apple Music is perfect to help carry that energy from Monday Night Football all the way through to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.” -ESPN Vice President of Sports Marketing Curtis Friends
“There’s nothing like the energy of a Monday Night Football game. We’re giving that energy a soundtrack, powered by Apple Music’s deep bench of curators and tastemakers. We can’t wait to bring artists and music to this audience in a way that matches the moment.” -Apple Music and Apple Podcasts Global Head of Marketing Matt Plotnik
What Remains Unclear: ESPN and Apple Music haven’t revealed the complete list of songs or artists that will appear throughout the season. The companies also haven’t detailed how the weekly selections will connect with specific game moments or broadcasts.
What It Means: The collaboration gives Apple Music another prominent platform ahead of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. Meanwhile, ESPN gets a global music brand helping shape its NFL presentation during an important season. The partnership also continues ESPN’s effort to make music a larger part of its Monday Night Football identity. With the Super Bowl coming to ESPN for the first time, that connection could become even more significant.
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