In a historic move, Netflix streamed two NFL games on Christmas Day, marking its first foray into live sports broadcasting. The Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens facing the Houston Texans.
The games were streamed in five languages to Netflix’s 282.3 million global subscribers. Obviously, the broadcasts avoided the technical issues that have plagued other platforms’ live events, such as the streaming delays and buffering problems Amazon Prime Video faced during its early NFL broadcasts. “We’ve learned from the industry’s missteps and prioritized a seamless viewing experience for our audience,” said Peters.
Adding a festive touch, all participating teams sported holiday-themed patches on their uniforms. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted, “The Christmas Day games are a unique way to celebrate the season while connecting with fans worldwide.”
Halftime entertainment was another highlight, with Beyoncé delivering a standout performance during the Ravens-Texans game. “This was a moment where sports and entertainment truly came together,” said a Netflix representative.
The collaboration highlights a growing trend: streaming platforms competing for live sports rights, such as Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV.
“Streaming is becoming the go-to destination for sports, and Netflix is excited to be part of that transformation,” Peters added, citing recent deals like Amazon Prime Video’s exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football and YouTube TV’s acquisition of NFL Sunday Ticket as examples of the shift toward digital platforms.
The success of Netflix’s NFL streaming debut could set a precedent for future partnerships, reshaping the way audiences access live sports.