NFL ‘Furious’ with Jay-Z for Not Inviting Taylor Swift to Super Bowl

UPDATE: The NFL is reportedly “furious” with Jay-Z for failing to formally invite Taylor Swift to perform at the Super Bowl, according to a new report. This revelation, surfaced in Rob Shuter‘s Substack report dated October 9, 2025, indicates a significant miscommunication that has left league executives feeling misled and embarrassed.
Insiders claim that despite weeks of speculation and excitement surrounding a potential Jay-Z and Swift collaboration, there was never an official offer made. One source stated, “They look like amateurs,” highlighting the NFL’s frustration with how the situation unfolded. The report suggests that expectations were blurred by the Jay-Z-NFL partnership, causing confusion about Swift’s involvement.
For many in the NFL, the belief was that a formal invitation had been extended to Swift. However, the insider clarified, “Everyone inside the NFL thought Taylor was officially offered the gig,” only to find out later that it was merely “light chatter.” This revelation undermines the hype surrounding a potential Super Bowl show featuring Swift and raises questions about Jay-Z’s intentions.
Sources further revealed that Jay-Z allegedly had Bad Bunny in mind for the performance all along, leaving Swift’s camp feeling sidelined. Conversations with Swift’s team were reportedly polite but never progressed to serious negotiations. This lack of clarity has resulted in reputational damage for the NFL, as league brass reevaluates their approach to halftime performances.
Despite the NFL’s turmoil, Swift appears unfazed by the situation. Her ongoing album success and significant life events have kept her in the spotlight. An executive commented cheekily, “Taylor doesn’t need the Super Bowl — the Super Bowl needs Taylor.” This sentiment underscores Swift’s star power, suggesting that her participation would be more of an enhancement than a necessity for the event.
As the situation develops, the NFL is now tasked with recalibrating its expectations for upcoming halftime shows. With the Super Bowl fast approaching, all eyes will be on how the league navigates the aftermath of this miscommunication and whether they can recover from this public relations setback.
The fallout from this incident highlights the complexities of celebrity partnerships within major events and serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication. Fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see how the NFL responds to this latest challenge in their halftime lineup.