Netflix’s Big Play: Streaming Live NFL Games on Christmas Day

As the NFL season approaches, Netflix is gearing up to make its debut in the world of live sports broadcasting. The streaming giant has secured a deal to air two NFL games on Christmas Day, with at least one more matchup scheduled for the following years. This marks a significant milestone for Netflix, as it ventures into the realm of traditional live sports.

The NFL is coming to Netflix on Christmas Day

Netflix’s foray into live sports is driven by its ambition to grow its advertising tier. The company has been actively seeking a production partner to help produce the NFL games, reaching out to broadcasters such as Disney’s ESPN, Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and Paramount Global’s CBS Sports. However, finding the right partner might be a challenge, as current NFL partners may be hesitant to help a potential rival.

“There aren’t that many players in the space who are capable of doing this at a level that you would want to trust when you’re launching as a new partner with a league as important as the NBA or the NFL,” said Shirin Malkani, co-chair of the sports industry group at law firm Perkins Coie.

Netflix’s deal with the NFL is a significant one, with the streaming service paying roughly $75 million per game. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to reach a global, younger audience, and potentially lay the groundwork for Netflix to become a future bidder on a larger package of games.

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to take a snap in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NFL’s push to expand its media partners is a deliberate effort to widen its audience. The league has been vocal about adding more streaming partners, and Netflix’s entry into the market is seen as a significant step in that direction.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about the league’s push to add more streaming partners.

As the NFL continues to explore new avenues for broadcasting its games, one thing is clear: the future of sports broadcasting is shifting towards streaming. With Netflix’s entry into the market, the landscape of live sports broadcasting is about to change forever.

The future of live sports broadcasting is shifting towards streaming.