In a groundbreaking move, Netflix has announced its partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to broadcast two prestigious Christmas Day games next season, marking the streaming giant’s foray into live sports coverage.
The NFL revealed that Netflix will exclusively screen the Christmas Day games in 2024, with additional games slated for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed excitement about tapping into the massive audience that NFL football attracts, emphasizing the significance of live sports events in the streaming landscape.
While Netflix has previously spotlighted various sports through documentary-style series, its venture into live sports coverage has been limited. However, with this new deal, Netflix aims to bolster its sports-based programming portfolio, aligning with its strategy to appeal to diverse fandoms.
The NFL, on the other hand, seeks to broaden its global reach through streaming platforms, building on its existing partnerships with networks like Amazon and NBC’s Peacock. Hans Schroeder, NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution, emphasized the significance of partnering with Netflix to expand the Christmas Day tradition globally.
The exact fixtures for the Christmas Day games will be revealed later by the NFL. While the games will be aired on traditional television in the cities of the competing teams and on the NFL’s mobile app, they will be exclusively available on Netflix for viewers worldwide.