YouTube and the NFL just dropped a game-changer, literally. On September 5, 2025, global superstar Karol G will light up halftime during YouTube's first-ever exclusive NFL live broadcast, streaming the season-opening showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers straight from Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. And the best part is that it's totally free for fans worldwide.
This isn't just any Week 1 matchup. The reigning AFC champion Chiefs face off against the Chargers in a primetime clash, with coverage starting at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BRT and kickoff at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. BRT. The game is a cultural crossover moment where sport, music, and digital streaming collide.
Karol G, who has racked up nearly 30 billion views on YouTube, is bringing her signature energy and record-breaking hits to the halftime stage. She's coming off the massive success of her album "Tropicoqueta," which has already set streaming records and delivered a string of chart-topping singles. Her track "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" alone has scored over 947 million YouTube views, cementing her as one of the most influential artists on the planet.
The Colombian icon couldn't be more thrilled: "I've watched many NFL halftime shows over the years, and now having this opportunity to bring my music to this global stage means the world to me. I can't wait to celebrate with everyone in São Paulo and fans all around the world."
Why This Matters for YouTube and the NFL
For YouTube, this game is a milestone. It is the first time it will exclusively stream an NFL matchup live, part of its expanding partnership that already includes NFL Sunday Ticket. Fans have consumed over 350 million hours of NFL content on YouTube in the past year alone. With the São Paulo game, YouTube is positioning itself not just as a highlight hub but as a destination for live sports events on a global scale.
A Celebration of Latin American Culture
The NFL's Tim Tubito emphasized the cultural importance of the event, pointing out the league's strong Brazilian fan base and the choice to honor Latin music and talent. Before kickoff, Brazil's own Ana Castela will perform the national anthem, joined by Grammy and Emmy-nominated jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington for the U.S. anthem.
Throughout the game, curated in-game music will showcase the rich sounds of Latin America, reinforcing that this isn't just a football event but a celebration of a region's culture and influence.
What to Expect Beyond the Game
In addition to Karol G's halftime set, fans can expect appearances from some of YouTube's most popular creators, with more announcements on the way. The combination of NFL action, a global pop superstar, local Brazilian talent, and creator-driven content is designed to pull in fans who might tune in as much for the music and personalities as for the football itself.
This broadcast signals a turning point for how major sports and entertainment intersect. By pairing one of the NFL's biggest games with a cultural powerhouse like Karol G and delivering it live, free, and globally via YouTube, the NFL is embracing a future where fans can experience the excitement anywhere, without the barriers of traditional broadcasting.