Netflix just secured a three-year deal with the NFL that will see live Christmas Day football games streamed exclusively on the platform.
According to Wednesday's announcement, Netflix will host two NFL games on December 25, along with at least one game on Christmas Day for the years 2025 and 2026.
NFL Christmas Day doubleheader LIVE on @netflix! pic.twitter.com/rWWNlvIBT6
— NFL (@NFL) May 15, 2024
Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership.
"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," Shroeder shared in a press release.
"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," he continued.
Netflix Expands into Live Sports
This massive strategic partnership with the NFL is poised to disrupt the traditional TV landscape as Netflix continues to make giant leaps into live sports.
The three-year contract positions Netflix as a top contender for network upfront dollars and marks a milestone in Netflix’s evolving relationship with American football.
The series features top NFL catchers Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
After releasing the docuseries "Quarterback" in 2023, the platform is set to launch "Receiver" in the summer of 2024, as part of its partnership with Fox.
Coming soon to @netflix: RECEIVER 🏈 pic.twitter.com/02opQnSSKT
— NFL (@NFL) March 19, 2024
Previously, Netflix experimented with live shows that feature matches or sports stars through a number of memorable broadcasts, including:
- A boxing match between Mike Tyson and YouTube star Jake Paul
- A live roast of Tom Brady
- The Netflix Cup tournament that paired a Formula 1 driver and a PGA Tour golfer
"Last year, we decided to take a big bet on live — tapping into massive fandoms across comedy, reality TV, sports, and more," Bela Bajaria, Netflix chief content officer, said.
"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."
READ NEXT: NFL Star Brock Purdy Stars in Toyota's Latest Ad
Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang
