Netflix is reportedly close to clinching the broadcasting rights for NFL Christmas Games 2024. This potential partnership would mark a significant milestone for Netflix as it continues to diversify its offerings, moving beyond traditional series and films into the realm of live sports.
Why the NFL Might Partner with Netflix for Christmas Games
Traditionally, Christmas Day has been dominated by the NBA, but the NFL’s decision to host games on a Wednesday—a day typically reserved for rest—signals a bold strategy. The initiative is not without its reasons. Netflix’s foray into sports, including popular docuseries like Drive to Survive and Quarterback, along with live specials such as Tom Brady’s Roast, showcase its burgeoning capability to host live events.
The partnership could also be seen as a strategic move to capitalize on what some perceive as vulnerabilities in the NBA’s hold on Christmas sports viewership. Veteran sportscaster Colin Cowherd hinted at this on his podcast, suggesting the NFL’s intent to “squeeze” the NBA, indicating a robust competitive spirit aiming to dominate the holiday sports calendar. Last year, NFL games broadcast across CBS, Fox, and ABC drew nearly 30 million viewers, starkly overshadowing the NBA’s viewership, which saw its top game between the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics attract only five million viewers.
The Economics Behind the Streaming Shift
Securing the rights for the NFL’s holiday games is no small financial feat. With a hefty price tag rumoured to be around $50 million, according to Puck News’ John Ourand, this deal represents a significant investment for Netflix. This move is reflective of Netflix’s broader strategy to enhance its live content offering, which could potentially draw new subscribers and a different demographic to the platform.
Boomer Esiason says “Do not be surprised if the NFL and Netflix get in bed for a nice little Christmas Day football games.” pic.twitter.com/WFytWNOIun
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 8, 2024
A Win-Win for Netflix and NFL?
Boomer Esiason, former MVP quarterback, shared on his WFAN radio show his anticipation of this collaboration. “Do not be surprised if the NFL and Netflix get in bed for a nice little Christmas Day football game,” he commented, highlighting the mutual benefits such a partnership could offer. For Netflix, it means venturing into the lucrative sports broadcasting market, while the NFL would gain access to a vast streaming audience, possibly boosting viewership among younger, tech-savvy fans.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations presumably continue, the implications of such a deal could redefine how sports are consumed, pivoting from traditional cable networks to streaming platforms. Netflix’s potential exclusive coverage of the NFL on Christmas could be a game-changer, setting a precedent for how major sports events are broadcast in the future.
In conclusion, while traditional cable has long been the home of live sports, Netflix’s aggressive move into this domain underscores its commitment to expanding its content universe. Should this deal go through, it could very well be a merry Christmas for both Netflix and sports fans alike.
