The NFL Draft’s media rights are up for grabs, and while some major players remain in the mix, Netflix has officially withdrawn from the bidding process.
Despite its record-breaking Christmas Day doubleheader, the streaming giant has opted not to pursue the rights to broadcast one of the NFL’s most-watched offseason events.
NFL Draft’s broadcast shake-up
According to reports, Fox, ESPN, and Google (via YouTube) are among the networks still vying for the opportunity.
Disney’s ABC, which currently shares draft coverage with ESPN, remains a contender, while Amazon Prime Video, fresh off its most-watched Thursday Night Football season, is considered a long shot.
The new television deal will take effect in 2026, though the NFL has not set a timeline for making its final decision.
Once a niche event, the NFL Draft has transformed into a three-day media spectacle, drawing millions of viewers eager to see which top college football prospects will land with their favorite teams.
What began as a low-profile affair in the 1980s, first televised by ESPN, has become a primetime television event with extensive coverage from multiple networks, including NFL Network and ABC.
Fox previously shared broadcast rights with ESPN and NFL Network in 2018 before ABC took over in 2019.
Now, with Netflix stepping aside, Fox is eager to reclaim a role in the event, potentially reshaping how fans experience draft coverage.
The NFL has embraced streaming platforms in recent years, forging partnerships with Prime Video, ESPN+, and Peacock to expand its digital reach.
Industry insiders suggest the league may be open to incorporating a global streaming partner into its draft coverage strategy.
While Netflix has decided against pursuing the opportunity, the increasing demand for live sports content continues to drive fierce competition among traditional broadcasters and streaming services alike.
With the 2025 NFL Draft set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this year’s event will air on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, and digital platforms.
However, the landscape could look much different when the league’s new media rights deal takes effect in 2026.
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