What 'Last Year' Means for the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is tied to the calendar year but named for the Roman numeral of the edition. Because the game typically occurs in early February, "last year" can refer to either the on-paper calendar year or the football season that culminated in February. This guide clarifies which specific Super Bowl happened most recently, the teams that reached it, and how to confirm the date, teams, and score from authoritative sources.
Super Bowl LVIII: The Most Recent Game
As of 2025, the most recent Super Bowl was LVIII, played on February 11, 2024. It concluded the 2023 season and featured the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. The game took place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Understanding Roman numerals is key: the number indicates the edition within the overall sequence, not the calendar year in which it is played.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Super Bowl Edition | LVIII | Official NFL Designation |
| Date Played | February 11, 2024 | Event Record |
| Winning Team | Kansas City Chiefs | Game Result |
| Losing Team | San Francisco 49ers | Game Result |
| Final Score | 25–22 (Chiefs) | Box Score |
| Venue | Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada | Venue Registry |
Why Roman Numerals Can Be Confusing
The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to label each edition. This practice began with Super Bowl V to avoid confusion with the year of the game, since the event can occur in a different calendar year than the season it concludes. For example, Super Bowl LVIII references the 58th edition but was played in early 2024, not 2058. When people ask "who's in the Super Bowl last year," they are often really asking which teams competed in the most recent edition and how to identify it.
How to Identify the Teams in the Most Recent Super Bowl
To determine which teams played in the most recent Super Bowl, identify the latest edition number and its played date. Once you know the edition, you can review the teams that reached the championship game. For LVIII, the path involved each team winning two playoff games (plus a Wild Card round for the 10th-seeded teams) to reach the contest. The following comparison outlines how to verify the latest edition and its participants quickly.
- Confirm the current year and note whether we are before or after early February.
- Match the edition number (Roman numeral) to the concluded season.
- Check the official league or venue site for the teams listed under that edition.
Who Competed in Super Bowl LVIII
Super Bowl LVIII featured the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs entered as defending champions from Super Bowl LVII, while the 49ers sought their sixth Super Bowl title. Both teams earned their spots through dominant playoff runs, culminating in a matchup that decided the league championship for the 2023 season.
Where to Find Authoritative Confirmation
For reliable details on any Super Bowl, including participants, score, and venue, consult primary sources such as the official league site, Pro-Football-Reference for box scores, or reputable sports encyclopedias. These sources provide consistent, fact-checked data that remain useful for years. When in doubt, cross-reference at least two trusted references to confirm names, dates, and results.
Evergreen Takeaways
"Last year" for the Super Bowl refers to the most recently completed edition, determined by the early-February timeline rather than the calendar year in the name. The latest game as of 2025 is Super Bowl LVIII, played in February 2024 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, with the Chiefs winning 25–22. Understanding Roman numerals, season alignment, and where to find official records ensures clarity for future reference.