Netflix recently surprised industry insiders by landing broadcast rights for NFL games on Christmas Day through 2026.
Now, the streaming giant needs a broadcast partner to produce those games.
CNBC reported Thursday that Netflix reached out this week to several potential partners. Netflix reportedly talked with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, Disney’s ESPN, and Paramount Global’s CBS Sports. ESPN has already reportedly turned down the prospective deal because of its existing commitment to college football.
Netflix will broadcast two Christmas Day games in 2024 and at least one in 2025 and 2026.
This might seem like a straightforward business proposition for Netflix, similar to the deal Amazon Prime struck with NBC to produce its Thursday Night Football package.
However, there might be some politics at play behind the scenes in Netflix’s bid to find a partner. The streaming service wants to add more live sports, and the NFL Christmas Day games might be an entry point for that sport. CNBC reported, “There may be more resistance among current NFL partners to help out Netflix, according to people familiar with the matter. That’s because Netflix could be auditioning as a future long-term media rights partner for NFL games in place of a legacy media company, such as Paramount, Fox, or NBC.”
Netflix reportedly paid $75 million per game for the Christmas Day games.
[CNBC]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.