This year’s version of the NFL‘s biggest game is Super Bowl LIX — or Super Bowl 59, if you’re not well versed in Roman numerals.

Unlike the other major American sports leagues, the NFL uses numerals to denote its title decider. Last year, while the Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Finals and the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII.

Here’s a bit more on why the NFL uses Roman numerals.

What number is this year’s Super Bowl?

The 2025 edition of the Super Bowl is Super Bowl LIX, the 59th Super Bowl in NFL history.

Why does the NFL use Roman numerals for the Super Bowl?

According to a media guide from 2005 published for Super Bowl XL in Detroit, the NFL uses Roman numerals to denote Super Bowls because the title game is held in the calendar year after the majority of the NFL season is held.

The first Super Bowl to use a Roman numeral was Super Bowl V, the fifth Super Bowl. Later, Roman numerals were given to the first four editions of the game, Super Bowl I through Super Bowl IV.

Former Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt coined the “Super Bowl” name, according to the NFL.

When is the Super Bowl 2025? Date, time, TV channel

(This story was updated to correct the Roman numeral for Super Bowl LVIII

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