Netflix is officially ready to dive deeper into the NFL ocean. After dipping their toes in with high-profile Christmas Day games over the last couple of seasons, the streaming giant is looking to make a much bigger splash. During a recent earnings call, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos didn’t hold back on his enthusiasm, stating, “The NFL is a great property, and it delivers value as part of our total offering.” He confirmed that the company is “in discussions right now” to expand that relationship, noting they’ve learned a lot about how to value live sports content over the last few years.
So, what exactly does Netflix want? That’s where things get a bit murky. While YouTube is reportedly working on a deal for a specific five-game package for 2026, Netflix seems to be playing a more strategic, slightly more mysterious game. Co-CEO Greg Peters previously mentioned that a massive, traditional full-season package “doesn’t really fit with our strategy.” Instead, Netflix is looking for specific matchups they can “eventize.” They aren’t just looking for filler content to occupy a Sunday afternoon; they want the big-ticket spectacles that stop the world.
There’s plenty of speculation about what this “eventizing” looks like. Netflix reportedly “would love” to televise the season opener-currently an NBC staple-and Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria even let it slip that they might be interested in a Sunday afternoon package. Even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is convinced of the shift, claiming Netflix will be a “huge part of our future.”
The current TV rights landscape is mostly locked up for a few more years, with major packages like Monday Night Football not opening up until after 2030. However, Netflix could carve out a unique niche in the interim. Instead of a traditional weekly broadcast, we might see a “Netflix Special” schedule featuring high-profile windows like Halloween, Veterans Day, Black Friday, or international prime-time games.
Netflix’s game plan: Focusing on high-profile NFL matchups and events
By staying “deliberately vague” about their specific goals, Netflix keeps the NFL and its competitors on their toes. Whether it’s a handful of holiday showdowns or a more permanent weekly fixture, one thing is clear: the days of watching the NFL solely on traditional cable are fading fast. Netflix is moving from the sidelines to the huddle, and they’re ready to call the plays. It’s no longer a question of if we’ll see more football on the platform, but how soon the “Tudum” sound will precede a kickoff.
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