The beloved sports-and-adoption television tradition Puppy Bowl XXII is officially set to return Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT, bringing its heartwarming blend of competition and compassion back for a 22nd year. The three-hour event will simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+, ensuring fans can tune in across multiple platforms.

Now recognized as the original and longest-running call-to-adoption television event, Puppy Bowl XXII will feature a record-breaking 150 dogs from 72 shelters spanning the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. Each pup brings a unique backstory, highlighting the importance of animal adoption while delivering a playful parody of championship sports coverage.

Looking for past Puppy Bowl photos, team rosters, and unforgettable puppy moments from previous years? Visit our complete Puppy Bowl archives here: https://seat42f.com/tag/puppy-bowl/ for coverage from earlier bowls, adoption features, and more.

Veteran referee Dan Schachner returns for his 15th year to oversee the action, keeping the competition fair as these four-legged athletes chase touchdowns—and potential forever homes. The 2026 edition introduces new segments, including a senior dog spotlight, alongside enhanced fan-favorite moments designed to deepen emotional connections with viewers.

“Puppy Bowl XXII celebrates the spirit of the underdog with a gameday celebration that combines the excitement of a sports matchup with uplifting adoption stories,” said Joseph Boyle, Head of Content for Discovery Channel. “By introducing new segments and enhancing beloved elements, we’re delivering the most entertaining sports spectacular on television.”

The broadcast kicks off at the MARRIOTT BONVOY Puppy Bowl Hotel, where Schachner gathers the eager competitors ahead of the big game. From there, the action shifts to PROGRESSIVE® Stadium, as the PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup bursts through the spirit tunnel and onto the field. Reigning champions Team Fluff return to defend their title with standout players like Benito, a Siberian Husky–Chihuahua mix from Puerto Rico, and Showgirl, a Chow Chow–Rottweiler mix.

Challenging them is Team Ruff, featuring contenders such as Lobster Roll (Bulldog–Border Collie), Brûlée (Boston Terrier–French Bulldog), and Miso (American Cattle Dog–Beagle), all vying to hoist the coveted Walmart “Lombarky” Trophy. As the game unfolds, one pup will earn the prestigious BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) honor, while another will be recognized with the Subaru of America, Inc. Underdog Award.

With its expanded reach, record number of adoptable dogs, and continued mission to spotlight shelter pets, Puppy Bowl XXII once again proves that the biggest game of the year can also have the biggest heart.

Puppy Bowl XXII Promo

Where to Watch

Puppy Bowl XXII airs Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+.

Fifteen special needs dogs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three-legs, and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired, will also compete to prove that nothing can hold them back.

For the first time ever, Puppy Bowl will spotlight senior dogs in a special exhibition game, as Team Oldies and Team Goldies go head-to-head in the all-new Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown. Additional new elements include an inside look at shelter staff cheering on their puppy players and a spirited Barking Lot Tailgate party hosted by RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS, with special appearances by Todd Graves, Owner and Founder, and his dog Cane III.

Throughout the game, SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. “Pup Close and Personal” segments will share the inspiring backstories of some of the all-star athletes. Social media influencer Isabel Klee, also known as SimonSits, introduces her new foster, a senior dog that will take the field in the halftime senior matchup game, and shares how her socialization efforts will help give the pup a better chance at finding their forever home. In another highlight, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir trains Button, a Boston Terrier-Beagle from Nickel City Canine Rescue, at Highmark Stadium to test out the pup’s agility, speed and raw skills before the big game while also sharing his personal story on the importance of adoption.

Fan-favorite elements, including the Adoptables segments featuring puppies available for adoption during the game, sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks providing play-by-play commentary, puppy cheer squads hyping up the crowd, kittens watching the game from the TEMPTATIONS™ Skybox, and the WISDOM PANEL™ pet DNA test results that provide insights into each player’s breed mix and other unique traits will be featured throughout the game.

Before the big game, the Puppy Bowl XXII Kickoff Show will air at 1PM ET/ 10AM PT. Dan Schachner and lead puppy trainer Victoria Schade will scout ten prospects on the all-new practice field, testing their mettle in a Puppy Combine before selecting the top pick in the Puppy Bowl Draft. The show will also check in with BISSELL Pet Foundation to see how they are continuing to make an impact with their adoption initiatives and as they prepare to send their puppy Dan from their partner shelter, SPCA of Southwest Michigan, to compete in Puppy Bowl XXII.

Audiences can join the conversation on social media with #PuppyBowl, and by following Animal Planet on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as Puppy Bowl on Facebook for more updates.

For more information on the participating pups, to view the full photo gallery, and to vote on which pup should win the WALMART and PEDIGREE® Pupularity Playoffs, please visit PuppyBowl.com.

Official Puppy Bowl XXII sponsors include BISSELL HOMECARE, INC, MARRIOTT BONVOY (Aloft, Element Hotels, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites), PEDIGREE®, PROGRESSIVE®, RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS, SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC., TEMPTATIONS™, WALMART, WISDOM PANEL™, and YREFY.

Puppy Bowl XXII is produced for Animal Planet by Bright Spot Content, an All3Media America company.