With Super Bowl LX (60) now in the books, NFL fans are already turning their eyes to the future. One quirky tradition that always sparks curiosity: Why does the NFL use Roman numerals for Super Bowls, and what comes after LX?
At SportsBrackets.net, we love breaking down brackets, schedules, and fun NFL trivia. Here’s everything you need for Super Bowl Roman numerals explained. A clear guide to the Super Bowl Roman numeral system, why it exists, how it works post-Super Bowl 50, and a look ahead at upcoming editions—including Super Bowl LXI in 2027. We’ve also included a simple printable reference table for your brackets, pools, or office walls.
Why Roman Numerals for Super Bowls?
The NFL adopted Roman numerals starting with Super Bowl V (1971) to avoid confusion with the calendar year. Super Bowls are played in early February but crown the champion of the previous fall season. So naming it “Super Bowl 1971” could mix things up. Roman numerals provide a clean, timeless way to mark each edition sequentially.
The system was retroactively applied to the first four games (Super Bowl I through IV). The only exception: Super Bowl 50 (2016, Denver Broncos win) used Arabic “50” instead of Roman “L” because designers felt “Super Bowl L” looked unappealing and lacked marketing punch.
Since then, it’s been straight Roman numerals: additive (e.g., LX = 50 + 10 = 60) with standard subtractive notation for numbers like 40 (XL), 9 (IX), etc.
How Roman Numerals Work for Super Bowls
Basic building blocks:
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1,000
Combinations add up (right to left), but subtract when a smaller precedes a larger (e.g., XL = 40, not 60).
Recent examples:
- Super Bowl LIX (59) → 50 + 9 = LIX
- Super Bowl LX (60) → 50 + 10 = LX (this year’s game)
- Super Bowl LXI (61) → 50 + 10 + 1 = LXI (next year)
The pattern continues additively after 60. No major changes until higher numbers (e.g., 70 = LXX, 90 = XC).
Upcoming Super Bowl Roman Numerals & Dates
Here are the confirmed or projected future Super Bowls (dates tentative based on NFL patterns; locations locked for the next few). You can also checkout the past Super Bowl results and winners to see how the games were numbered.
- 2027: Super Bowl LXI (61) – February 14, 2027 (Valentine’s Day!), SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (home of Rams/Chargers; second time hosting after LVI in 2022)
- 2028: Super Bowl LXII (62) – February 13, 2028 (projected), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA (second time after 2019)
- 2029: Super Bowl LXIII (63) – February 2029 (projected), Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV (expected award; first time since hosting discussions)
- 2030: Super Bowl LXIV (64)
- 2031: Super Bowl LXV (65)
- 2032: Super Bowl LXVI (66)
- 2033: Super Bowl LXVII (67)
- 2034: Super Bowl LXVIII (68)
- 2035: Super Bowl LXIX (69)
- 2036: Super Bowl LXX (70) . The shift to “LXX” for 70, as additive forms take over fully.
Pronunciation tip: Say them like “Super Bowl Elle-Ex-Eye” for LXI, or “Super Bowl Elle-Ex-Ess-Eye” for LXII—fans often just say the number (e.g., “61”).
Printable Super Bowl Roman Numerals Reference Table
The upcoming Super Bowl roman numerals reference table is below for you. We have the confirmed host cities for the future Super Bowls for you too.
| Year | Super Bowl Edition | Roman Numeral | Arabic Number | Host City/Stadium (Confirmed/Projected) |
| 2026 | Super Bowl LX | LX | 60 | Santa Clara, CA (Levi’s Stadium) |
| 2027 | Super Bowl LXI | LXI | 61 | Inglewood, CA (SoFi Stadium) |
| 2028 | Super Bowl LXII | LXII | 62 | Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) |
| 2029 | Super Bowl LXIII | LXIII | 63 | Las Vegas, NV (Allegiant Stadium) |
| 2030 | Super Bowl LXIV | LXIV | 64 | TBD |
| 2031 | Super Bowl LXV | LXV | 65 | TBD |
| 2032 | Super Bowl LXVI | LXVI | 66 | TBD |
| 2033 | Super Bowl LXVII | LXVII | 67 | TBD |
| 2034 | Super Bowl LXVIII | LXVIII | 68 | TBD |
| 2035 | Super Bowl LXIX | LXIX | 69 | TBD |
| 2036 | Super Bowl LXX | LXX | 70 | TBD |
Bookmark this page or print it out. Its perfect alongside our 2027 NFL Playoff Bracket printable for long-term planning.
The Roman numeral tradition is one of those unique NFL quirks that makes the league stand out. As we head into the 2026 season, who do you think lifts Super Bowl LXI?
