The NFL’s biggest stage faces fresh controversy after reports surfaced that Elon Musk threatens to withdraw his company’s $40 million Super Bowl advertising partnership over Bad Bunny’s rumored halftime slot. The billionaire’s decision, tied to concerns about what he views as “politicized entertainment,” has ignited an intense backlash and support across social media.
One user summed up the rising sentiment: “If Bad Bunny actually performs, grab your 🍿! ICE will end up being the greater show that day!”
If Bad Bunny actually performs, grab your 🍿! ICE will end up being the greater show that day!
🙏🇺🇸🦅
— Girl patriot (@Girlpatriot1974) October 11, 2025
Elon Musk’s $40M Threat Puts NFL Sponsors on Edge
Elon Musk and Bad Bunny | Credits: Imagn
According to multiple industry trackers, the Super Bowl remains the most lucrative event in American television, expected to generate over $650 million in ad revenue for the 2025 season. Any single sponsor’s $40 million withdrawal, especially one as high-profile as Musk’s X or Tesla, could send shockwaves through the NFL’s commercial ecosystem.
According tosourcesclose to the issue, Musk is frustrated because the league has decided to go further with its cultural and political messaging in its entertainment decisions. The threat of his pragmatic move to sever the links has become a focal point of the current discussion of the extent to which politics should be intertwined with sports entertainment.
Musk’s withdrawal would have a ripple effect on the other sponsors and force the NFL to review its halftime lineup strategy, which has a history of attracting more than 110 million viewers worldwide.
Online reactions to Musk’s rumored ultimatum have been fierce and largely supportive. Oneuser exclaimed, “YES INDEED, ELON.”
Anotheradded,“He should pull it and he can sponsor the all-American halftime show Turning Point is doing.”
Others took a moredirect tone.“Do it Elon Musk,” urged one fan.
While anotherwarned,“Hey NFL, this is HUGE 😎. Sponsors are not going to support this.”.
The calls for economic retaliation were even louder fromusers echoing sentiments like,“BOYCOTT EVERYTHING TIED TO THE NFL, MOST OF THE ENTERTAINMENT AND BUSINESS INDUSTRIES!!”
The episode reflects how the NFL’s entertainment choices continue to contribute to cultural rifts and how a celebrity’s voice as influential as Musk can immediately impact fans and financial markets.
With its reputation and millions of dollars of advertising income on the line with the Super Bowl, the league must make an urgent decision: either maintain the status quo or risk losing one of its most lucrative corporate sponsors.