NFL's New Christmas Tradition: Streaming Live Games on Netflix
A Bold New Step for NFL and Netflix
The NFL is gearing up to start a new holiday tradition, marking a significant shift in its seasonal schedule. The league will now host Christmas Day games every year, with this year's games being streamed live on Netflix—a first for both the NFL and the streaming giant. Historically, Christmas Day matchups were reserved for special occasions, but this time marks the league's decision to make these games an annual feature. Interestingly, this year will witness Christmas games happening in the middle of the week, adding a unique twist to the holiday sports festivities.
Expanding Sports Streaming Horizons
For Netflix, delving into NFL game streaming broadens their already growing repertoire of live sports events. The company has dabbled in sports before with events like The Netflix Cup in golf and The Netflix Slam in tennis. They've also streamed high-profile events, such as the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul exhibition fight. This move is part of a broader strategy, as Netflix recently acquired rights to WWE Monday Night Raw, beginning in January, and will broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.
This $150 million deal with the NFL is part of a broader three-season agreement, showcasing that Netflix is serious about staking its claim in the live sports streaming market. As part of this agreement, they will broadcast two Christmas Day games this year, with at least one scheduled for each of the next two years. This expansion into live sports could be a game-changer for both Netflix and the NFL, blending traditional TV broadcasting with modern streaming services.
Engaging Lineups Set for Christmas Day
This holiday season, fans will see the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens take to the field. The planning is meticulous, with all four teams having played on a Saturday, affording them a three-day recovery before the mid-week games. This tactical scheduling underscores the NFL's commitment to maintaining player performance and game quality, despite the unconventional timing.
Moreover, the past five years have seen Christmas Day NFL games, but this new annual commitment suggests the league is embracing the Christmas spirit more fully. Last year alone, over 28 million viewers tuned in to watch the holiday games. It's a clear indication of the appetite for festive football, and it looks like the tradition is set to continue growing.
The Economics of Holiday Sports
The Christmas Day games are more than just entertainment; they’re a lucrative endeavor. This year’s Netflix deal alone is valued at $150 million, affirming the financial potential for both the streaming platform and the NFL. Looking ahead, Amazon Prime Video is also jumping into the festive action, planning to debut its own Christmas game next year within its "Thursday Night Football" package.
The move to consistently feature Christmas Day games demonstrates how sports leagues are evolving. By tapping into the holiday season, both streaming giants and traditional broadcasters are opening doors to new viewership and revenue streams, ensuring audiences can enjoy high-stakes sports in innovative and accessible ways during one of the most festive days of the year.