Netflix will continue its quest to broadcast some of the world’s most significant sports events, with the streaming giants shelling out $150 million for two NFL games on Christmas Day.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Houston Texans will be live on Netflix. This is the first time one of the US’s most popular sports will be aired live on the streaming platform.
Netflix’s deal with the NFL is a long-term strategy, with the platform set to show games on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026. It could become a yearly advent exclusive, for which Netflix is expected to make its money spent back and more through advertisements.
It was reported earlier this year that the company was selling advertising packages for its NFL coverage for more than $5m. FanDuel has been confirmed as the exclusive pregame sportsbook betting partner, while telecommunications giant Verizon will be Netflix’s kickoff sponsor and official partner of the pregame segment. Nielsen will also provide live ratings for Netflix.
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Carrying NFL games is the latest win for Netflix, who recently reached a deal to show the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups. They will also add WWE’s Raw in the New Year, and they exclusively broadcasted Mike Tyson’s professional boxing return against Jake Paul last month.
Netflix has also shown live tennis, most notably Rafael Nadal’s showdown with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in a Grand Slam event. According to Market Watch, Netflix’s exploration of live sports could eventually allow the platform to raise subscription prices, depending on its success.
Netflix enjoyed strong viewership on previously broadcasted sports events such as Tyson vs. Paul, but the platform did experience technical difficulties. However, analysts are unconcerned about similar issues plaguing the Christmas Day NFL broadcasts.
Netflix is expected to likely double its internal viewership expectations as fans tune in to see the defending champions, the Chiefs, take on the Steelers and Super Bowl contenders, the Ravens, do battle with the Texans.
A potential downside of the NFL selling off pieces of its schedule to different broadcasters is the overall cost for football fans to watch every game. The total cost to watch every NFL game this season without cable has hit $2,500, excluding monthly internet service costs.
Nonetheless, Netflix hopes its NFL broadcasts will attract and retain subscribers around the festive period after CBS, Fox, and ESPN attracted close to 30 million viewers last year.
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