Netflix to Stream NFL Games on Christmas Day, Announces Exclusive Deal with NFL
Netflix Makes Major Play in Live Sports Broadcasting with NFL Christmas Day Games
In a groundbreaking move that is set to shake up the media landscape, streaming giant Netflix announced on Wednesday that it will be streaming its first NFL games on Christmas Day. The company revealed that it will feature both Dec. 25 matchups scheduled for this year, with additional Christmas games set for 2025 and 2026.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed excitement about the partnership with the NFL, highlighting the massive audience that NFL football attracts. The deal marks a significant moment in the world of entertainment, as it brings together the largest streaming platform with the most lucrative sports league in the U.S.
While the NFL has not yet announced which teams will be playing on Christmas, the 2024 season matchups are being revealed throughout the day. Hans Schroeder, NFL’s Executive Vice President of Media Distribution, also shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Netflix, emphasizing the global reach of the streaming service.
The Christmas 2024 games will not only be available on Netflix but will also air on broadcast TV in the cities of the competing teams. Additionally, fans can watch the games on mobile devices via NFL+.
Netflix’s foray into live sports has been gradually expanding, with previous one-off events in tennis, golf, and boxing. The streaming giant will also be home to WWE’s weekly “Raw” series starting in January 2025. The move to stream NFL games signifies Netflix’s willingness to invest in high-profile content and demonstrates its commitment to live broadcasting.
The announcement comes at a time when sports rights are undergoing significant changes, with traditional broadcast companies facing stiff competition from streaming platforms. The NFL games on Netflix add to the growing list of entities broadcasting professional football, alongside Amazon, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Fox, CBS, and NBC.
As the landscape of media continues to evolve, live sports remain a crucial element in attracting large audiences. The Netflix-NFL partnership marks a new chapter in the streaming service’s expansion into live sports broadcasting, setting the stage for an exciting future of sports entertainment for fans around the world.