Picture: National Football League
Netflix continues its expansion into live sports by signing an exciting new deal with the National Football League to stream two games exclusively on Christmas Day.
The NFL (National Football League) just announced its schedule for the 2024-2025 season, and with it, the confirmation of the rumor that Netflix has signed a new deal with the NFL to stream at least one game on Christmas Day in both 2025 and 2026. It’s part of a three-season deal.
Announced when the NFL unveiled its full 2024 schedule, they confirmed the two games that take place on December 25th, 2024 are:
- Chiefs v. Steelers
- Ravens v. Texans
“Last year, we decided to take a big bet on live — tapping into massive fandoms across comedy, reality TV, sports, and more,” Bela Bajaria 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.”
The deal is rumored to be worth less than $300 million, with Netflix to pay under $150 million per game.
Given the NFL’s global renown, two games streamed live on Netflix on Christmas Day will boost the audience significantly and have massive potential for ad revenue.
Netflix already has a pre-existing relationship with the NFL thanks to the documentary Quarterback produced by three-time SuperBowl champion Patrick Mahomes and its sequel Receiver, which will be released in July 2024.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts prior to Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
This deal continues Netflix’s expansion into live content, which recently signed an international distribution deal with the WWE and a domestic distribution deal for the WWE’s promotion of RAW earlier this year. Not to mention the upcoming boxing match in July between former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube and internet personality Jake Paul.
What are your thoughts? Will you be watching the NFL on Netflix on Christmas Day 2024? Let us know in the comments below!