The streaming giant, Netflix has struck a landmark three-year deal with the National Football League (NFL) to broadcast Christmas Day games.
This move marks a significant strategic shift for both entities. The online video platform ventures into the lucrative world of live sports, while the NFL leverages a popular platform to reach new audiences.
The agreement has granted the subscription-based video-on-demand (VOD) service the right to broadcast at least one Christmas Day game for the next three years, kicking off with a doubleheader in 2024. Football fans will witness a marquee matchup between the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the storied Pittsburgh Steelers. The second game features a rematch of the AFC divisional round, with Baltimore Ravens facing off against Houston Texans.
The global reach of the streaming platform allows fans worldwide to experience NFL action on Christmas Day. Local broadcasts in competing teams’ home cities will ensure traditional viewers aren’t left out, and mobile users in the US can access the games through the NFL+ app.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer, Netflix, said, “Last year, we decided to take a big bet on live — tapping into massive fandoms across comedy, reality TV, sports, and more. There are no live annual events, sports or otherwise, that compare with the audiences NFL football attracts. We’re so excited that the NFL’s Christmas Day games will be only on Netflix.”
Hans Schroeder, NFL Executive Vice President of Media Distribution, said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be the first professional sports league to partner with Netflix to bring live games to fans around the world. The NFL on Christmas has become a tradition and to partner with Netflix, a service whose biggest day of the year is typically this holiday, is the perfect combination to grow this event globally for NFL fans.”
This strategic partnership is a win-win. Netflix gains a foothold in live sports, potentially attracting new subscribers passionate about football. The NFL, in turn, expands its global reach by tapping into Netflix’s massive subscriber base. This deal signifies a potential shift in the sports broadcasting landscape, with streaming platforms like Netflix emerging as serious players in the live sports media rights game.
Netflix, a household name in streaming entertainment, boasts a vast library of movies and TV shows. Founded in 1997, it began as a DVD-by-mail service but has since revolutionised the industry. With a monthly subscription, users can enjoy a diverse range of content across genres on virtually any internet-connected device. This foray into live sports highlights Netflix’s ongoing evolution and its ambition to become a one-stop shop for all forms of entertainment.