Netflix has inked a landmark three-season deal with the National Football League (NFL) that will bring live football games to the streaming service for the first time. The deal, announced on May 15, 2024, includes the streaming of two Christmas Day games this year, with additional games slated for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
This marks Netflix’s first major foray into live sports. In recent months, Netflix has expanded its live offerings by featuring comedy specials and other events, including “The Roast of Tom Brady” and a series following professional wrestlers. The addition of NFL games is a part of Netflix's broader strategy to enhance its live content portfolio and attract more advertising revenue.
Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, highlighted the importance of this deal given the massive audience that NFL football attracts. While financial terms were not disclosed, Bloomberg News reported that Netflix will pay under $150 million per game for exclusive international rights.
The NFL's strategy of moving towards streaming platforms continues with this partnership, following in the footsteps of agreements with Amazon and Peacock. The NFL's commissioner, Roger Goodell, emphasized the shift as a response to changing viewer habits, with more fans preferring streaming services over traditional broadcast television.
To watch the entire 2024 NFL season, viewers in the U.S. will need subscriptions to seven different services, including Netflix. The estimated cost for cord-cutters will be around $1,600, excluding internet service fees. The NFL’s complete regular season schedule, including the Christmas Day games, is expected to be released shortly.