The partnership between the NFL and Netflix marks a revolutionary step in the entertainment and sports streaming industry.
Netflix Launches Live Streaming with the NFL
Netflix, the streaming giant with nearly 270 million current subscribers, is adding a new dimension by live streaming NFL games. After venturing into live events such as comedy shows, the streaming platform has decided to take a new step.
You can’t spell Netflix without “NFL”
Netflix will be the home to watch the NFL’s 2024 Christmas Day games LIVE! https://t.co/uzZVLUhNjt pic.twitter.com/BIy8FUV5NW
— Netflix (@netflix) May 15, 2024
Historic Agreement with the NFL
Netflix plans to live stream the two NFL Christmas Day games in 2024, as well as at least one game on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026 as part of a three-year deal.
Bela Bajaria from Netflix and Hans Schroeder from the NFL shared their excitement about this collaboration. “There are no live annual events, whether sports or otherwise, that can compete with the NFL football audience. We are thrilled that NFL Christmas Day games will be exclusively on Netflix,” said Bajaria. Schroeder added, “We are excited to be the first professional sports league to partner with Netflix to stream games live to fans worldwide.”
A Strategy to Compete with Prime Video and Peacock
The streaming of NFL Christmas Day games will be a first for Netflix, a clear strategy aimed at competing with its rivals. For example, Amazon Prime Video has been streaming the NFL’s Thursday Night Football since 2021. Peacock, on the other hand, was the only place to watch the 2024 playoffs between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins, which was the most-watched streaming event in the United States.
By securing the rights to the flagship NFL Christmas Day games, Netflix once again outperforms its competitors, mainly Prime Video and Peacock. Since 2020, these games have become a holiday staple.
A Successful Collaboration with the NFL
Netflix has been collaborating with the NFL for a few years now, with the successful launch of the show Quarterback in 2023, which showcases the league’s top quarterbacks. This summer, Receiver will make its debut on Netflix, following five of the top NFL receivers, both on and off the field.
What Do We Think?
Netflix once again shows its boldness by venturing into live streaming NFL games. It is an interesting attempt to stand out in the increasingly competitive streaming space. However, it remains to be seen if Netflix can turn this surprising move into lasting success.