Netflix May Stream Exclusive NFL Doubleheader On Christmas

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.

Netflix is close to securing an agreement with the NFL to exclusively carry two Christmas Day games this year, according to The Puck’s John Ourand. The possibility was first reported by Boomer Esiason, the former NFL quarterback who now has a radio show on WFAN radio in New York.

The world’s largest streaming service has flirted with becoming a major player in the sports TV rights world, but this would be its biggest play yet. Netflix has streamed a few live sporting events such as a celebrity golf tournament and an exhibition tennis match, and it has plans to offer a boxing match on July 20 between Mike Tyson and YouTube influencer turned pugilist Jake Paul.

The NFL aired three games on Christmas last year, but they were broadcast by CBS, Fox and ABC, channels that can be watched via an antenna or a multi-channel pay TV service such as cable or satellite. The Netflix games would require a subscription to the streaming service.

Awarding the games as an exclusive to Netflix would likely bring the league both significant revenue and fan discord. Many fans were upset last year when Peacock hosted an exclusive NFL playoff game. However, league officials have repeatedly said they believe streaming is the future of television.

Ourand writes that a Netflix-NFL Christmas agreement would not necessarily mean that the streamer will bid on more NFL games

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.