Ravens-Cowboys Game Delays MTV VMAs Broadcast
11 sourcesUpdated Sep 28, 2026
The 2026 MTV VMAs broadcast on CBS, MTV and Paramount+ began late on Sept. 27 after the Ravens beat the Cowboys 34-31. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, home viewers saw the game’s end instead of the start. The Peacock Theater audience in Los Angeles saw the show begin on time at 4:30 p.m. PT. Madonna opened with cameos from Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, sombr, Julia Garner and Seth Rogen; home viewers saw it about 22 minutes later. MTV ran a prerecorded Video Vanguard retrospective hosted by Donnie Wahlberg. The VMAs account posted: "Hold tight, the 2026 #VMAs will take off after the football game finishes 🚀✨ Live, coming up on CBS & streaming on Paramount+!" Snoop Dogg then delivered a monologue. Teyana Taylor presented best pop, won by Blackpink’s Lisa. Fans posted frustration, including "This is ridiculous and beyond frustrating. Should have aired live immediately on MTV" and "we better not be missing anything." Some threatened Paramount+ cancellations. Taylor Swift was set to premiere the Patient Zero video and receive Artist Director Honors; Nirvana the Video Vanguard award. Outlets report the delay as almost 20, more than 20, or 22 minutes and differ on whether the game reached a 31-31 overtime or the Ravens held a 34-31 lead.
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“VMAS chaos as big awards show DELAYED without warning”They need to plan the schedule so a close game doesn't delay the VMAs for TV audiences while the in-person crowd sees everything on time.
Ravens winning 34-31 was exciting but it pushed the whole awards show back twenty minutes. Viewers lost the live feel right from the beginning.
The football game ran long and cut off the VMAs start for everyone at home. Madonna's opening must have looked great in the theater.
