Netflix is reportedly the “likely winner” of the bid to air the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader games, according to Puck’s John Ourand. The exact price Netflix will pay for the games is still unknown, raising questions about production and payment details. The NFL had initially stated that there would be no Christmas games this season due to the holiday landing on a Wednesday, but changed its decision following the high viewership of last year’s games.
The emergence of out-of-home ratings by Nielsen has made holidays busier for major sporting events. Previously, viewership was only recorded if individuals watched games in their own homes, but during the pandemic, Nielsen began counting views in various locations such as bars, restaurants, and gyms. NFL teams playing games on Christmas will have a similar rest period as those playing on Sundays and then Thursdays the following week.
Netflix has been gradually entering the live sports rights arena, securing rights to WWE’s “Raw,” hosting ancillary programming like Tom Brady’s roast and the Formula One “Drive to Survive” show. The streaming service will also exclusively air the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event, featuring other fights including a rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. Major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB are all looking for Netflix’s involvement to increase in the sports broadcasting world to potentially have a significant impact in the future.
The NFL’s decision to have Christmas games is a highly anticipated move, with Netflix potentially joining as the rights partner for the games. Questions remain about the details of the deal, such as production responsibilities and the financial aspect of the partnership. Nielsen’s adaptation to counting out-of-home ratings has made holidays even busier for big sporting events, with viewership being recorded in various locations beyond just individual homes.
Teams playing on Christmas will have a scheduling adjustment, with games being played on Saturday the week before to address the rest period between matches. Netflix’s entry into live sports broadcasting has been gradual but significant, with the streaming service securing rights to various events and programs. The potential partnership with the NFL for the Christmas doubleheader games could mark a further expansion of Netflix’s presence in the sports broadcasting industry, with major leagues hoping for increased involvement from the streaming giant in the future.
The NFL’s decision to include Christmas games this season could lead to a potential partnership with Netflix for broadcasting rights. The streaming service’s expansion into live sports programming has been noticeable, with rights to WWE’s “Raw,” exclusive boxing events, and reality shows. Nielsen’s introduction of out-of-home ratings has added to the complexity of holiday programming, including sports events. As discussions progress between Netflix and the NFL, the sports broadcasting landscape may have a significant shift towards streaming services playing a more prominent role in airing major sporting events.
