Updated: Did Netflix Lose Its NFL Christmas Games Before It Even Got Them?

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

TV Answer Man, any news on Netflix doing the Christmas games? Do we know who will play in the games on Christmas day? — Frank ‘Goodwill to All Men’ T., Boise, Idaho.

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

But whoa! Ourand’s Puck newsletter this week says Amazon has made a competing bid for the holiday contests. While Ourand says the inside betting is that Netflix will still get the games, Amazon’s deep pockets could make it a horse race.

Update: Netflix and the NFL announce on May 15 that Netflix will get the two Christmas games. 

This, of course, is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s dream come true. When the league began dishing out game rights to streamers a few years ago, he undoubtedly hoped to get online giants such as Netflix and Amazon in bidding wars. And now his wish has come true, which means mo’ money, mo’ money for the already richest sports biz in the world.

Awarding the games as an exclusive to Netflix or Amazon 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.

There’s no word on when a final decision will be announced, but the league is expected to release the complete 2024 schedule as early as today.

Update: Bloomberg reports today (May 15) that Netflix is likely to get the deal with an announcement possible today.

Frank, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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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.