With only two cities vying for Super Bowl L and then only two cities squaring off for Super Bowl LI on Tuesday, the voting process becomes much more simple than if three or more cities were being considered for one game.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells PFT via email that the procedure initially will consist of San Francisco and South Florida squaring off, with owners voting via secret ballot for one or the other. If either gets 24 of 32 votes, that bid wins the game.
If neither gets the 75-percent supermajority, the voting immediately transforms in round two to a simple majority, with 17 votes winning.
If the owners deadlock at 16, the voting continues. Indefinitely.
After the host for Super Bowl L is named, the loser then takes on Houston for Super Bowl LI, with the same rules applying.
The two-tiered approach gives Texans owner Bob McNair a clear strategy when voting for the Super Bowl L host. He needs to vote for the city he thinks Houston is less likely to beat for Super Bowl LI.