In a groundbreaking move, Netflix is set to stream live NFL games on Christmas Day this year, marking the first time the video streaming giant has licensed rights to one of the world’s biggest sports leagues.
The two National Football League (NFL) games, produced by CBS Sports, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, will be available on Netflix, bringing a new dimension to holiday entertainment for football fans.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Netflix as it ventures into live sports streaming, a domain traditionally dominated by cable networks and sports-specific platforms.
CBS Sports, which holds the broadcast rights for the over-the-air television in the cities of the competing teams, will be responsible for producing the games. Meanwhile, NFL+, the league’s live streaming service, will show the games on mobile devices across the United States.
Netflix’s decision to stream live NFL games aligns with its broader strategy to expand its content offerings and attract more subscribers. In May, the company announced that it would stream at least one NFL game on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026, as part of an exclusive three-season agreement with the league.
The NFL’s popularity in the U.S. is unrivaled, with the league consistently drawing massive audiences. This year’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers attracted a record 123.7 million viewers in the United States alone. By securing the rights to stream NFL games, Netflix is positioning itself to tap into this vast and engaged audience.
In a statement, Netflix expressed its excitement about the partnership, noting, “This collaboration with CBS Sports and the NFL is a monumental step for Netflix as we explore new ways to entertain our global audience. We are thrilled to bring the excitement of live football to our platform.”
CBS Sports echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of delivering high-quality production for such a significant event. “We are committed to providing an unparalleled viewing experience for NFL fans on Netflix, just as we do on our traditional broadcast platforms,” a CBS Sports spokesperson said.
As the holiday season approaches, football enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying NFL games in a new way, with Netflix offering a fresh and accessible platform for live sports. This partnership not only enhances Netflix’s content library but also underscores the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting in the digital age.
