A New Holiday Tradition: NFL and Netflix Team Up for Christmas Day Games
This holiday season, a groundbreaking partnership is set to redefine how fans experience NFL games. For the first time, the NFL will host Christmas Day games every year, an event that looks to become a fixture in the league’s calendar. This year, the games will be streamed live on Netflix, a move that marks a significant shift in the NFL's seasonal scheduling strategy and highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.
Historically, Christmas Day games have been reserved for special occasions, making them a rare treat for fans worldwide. However, aligning with streaming giant Netflix not only guarantees annual holiday games but also ensures broad accessibility and a modern viewing experience. This year’s Christmas Day falls in the middle of the week, breaking away from traditional weekend fixtures and offering fans an extraordinary mid-week football delight.
Netflix's acquisition of broadcasting rights for these games is part of a larger trend of major streaming platforms entering the world of live sports. Netflix has already dabbled in live sports with broadcasts like The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam, and it is now set to broaden its sports portfolio. The NFL deal is a three-season agreement valued at a whopping $150 million, underscoring the increasing competition for live sports rights in the streaming era.
Fans can look forward to seeing the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens face off in this year's two Christmas Day games. With a massive audience expected, the NFL hopes to surpass last year’s impressive 28 million viewers for the Christmas Day matchups. This venture not only opens new channels for fan engagement but also signals the NFL's readiness to adapt to digital-first viewing habits.
Netflix’s entry into the NFL sphere also dovetails with its broader aspirations in sports broadcasting. Starting January, Netflix will air WWE Monday Night Raw, further expanding its sports offering. Moreover, the streaming giant secured rights to broadcast future FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031. These strategic moves emphasize Netflix's ambition to cement its position as a leader in live sports broadcasting.
Meanwhile, other streaming platforms are also vying for a piece of the holiday sports pie. Amazon Prime Video plans to feature its own Christmas game next year as part of its "Thursday Night Football" package. This anticipated addition indicates an exciting rivalry brewing among streaming services to capture the audience's attention during the coveted holiday season.
This partnership between the NFL and Netflix not only brings football to a broader audience but also reshapes the traditional broadcasting model. As sports continue to transition into the digital age, the Christmas Day games stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of live sports and the innovative avenues streaming platforms provide for fan engagement.
Looking ahead, viewers have much to anticipate. The partnership promises at least one Christmas Day game over the next two years, with Netflix continuing to serve as the primary streaming platform. For sports fans, this collaboration not only keeps the holiday spirit alive but also offers a new tradition of festive football—a perfect pairing for the most wonderful time of the year.