NFL Reportedly Wants Artists to Pay to Play the Super Bowl Halftime Show

The NFL has narrowed down its list of potential performers for the 2015 Super Bowl to three candidates, but the league is now asking the artists under consideration to pay to play, according to a new report.

Rihanna, Katy Perry and Coldplay are the three candidates for the Super Bowl gig, The Wall Street Journal reported. And some of those artists' camps were asked if they would be willing to make a financial contribution to the league, perhaps part of their post-Super Bowl tour income, in exchange for performing, the Journal added.

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The NFL doesn't usually pay the Super Bowl performers, with the exposure provided by the top-rated halftime show typically considered to be sufficient compensation. This year's show, featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruno Mars, pulled in a record 115.3 million viewers. Mars also put tickets to his tour on sale the Monday after the game, and Beyonce announced her Mrs. Carter Show tour after her halftime performance in 2013.

The NFL typically covers halftime performers' travel and production expenses. League spokeswoman Joanna Hunter told the Journal its contracts with performers were confidential and it only wants "to put on the best possible show."

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She declined to confirm the Journal's report about the acts under consideration, saying, "When we have something to announce, we'll announce it."

Hunter repeated those comments when contacted by The Hollywood Reporter. THR has also reached out to reps for Rihanna, Perry and Coldplay.

• This article originally appeared in THR.com.