The NFL is on the verge of a significant transformation with its partnership with Netflix. This deal is set to bring American football to a whole new global audience and shake up the industry. In May, it was announced that Netflix would be the exclusive broadcaster of two marquee games on Christmas Day, reaching subscribers across the US and over 190 countries. Beyoncé has been drafted as the half-time performer during the Ravens-Texans matchup, adding to the festive appeal.

Netflix's Christmas Day NFL Streams: A Game-Changing Partnership

Streaming the Big Games

The NFL is about to tackle a global audience through its partnership with Netflix. Streaming giant Netflix is set to broadcast three games on Christmas Day, launching a new tradition. Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution, stated that this is a deepening of the partnership with Netflix. Last year, all three Christmas games were among the top 10 regular season games, showing the appetite for more holiday football. The three-season deal opens up the market to a global audience, with commentary available in multiple languages.Netflix's entry into the NFL arena is set to boost audience figures. With over 280 million paid subscribers worldwide and the potential for multiple viewers per account, it presents a new opportunity. Schroeder emphasized the need to engage deeper with fans and reach different audiences on different platforms.

Boxing and NFL Content

Netflix's ability to deliver big numbers was demonstrated in the November 15 boxing bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The broadcast drew in 108 million viewers globally, making it the "most-streamed sporting event ever." This shows the potential for NFL livestreams on Netflix.Netflix is not new to unscripted NFL content. Documentary series like Quarterback and Receiver have been hits. Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, a docuseries on the New York Jets quarterback, was released in December. Such fly-on-the-wall sports shows will complement Netflix's livestreams, as seen in the countdown series for the Tyson-Paul bout.

Risks and Rewards

Netflix is making a big splash in live NFL streaming but is also taking a gamble. The Tyson-Paul fight had issues with streaming quality, which could lead to concerns for NFL livestreams. However, the games to be streamed on Netflix will be produced by CBS Sports, which has top-of-the-market experience.Ryan Schreiber of Streamline expressed concerns about potential technical difficulties and the impact on consumer trust. Rob Rosenberg, former Showtime Networks general counsel, noted that the NFL is taking a gamble with Netflix. While there is a low probability of failure given the numbers from the Tyson-Paul fight, a poor viewing experience could harm the NFL brand.On the other hand, a successful NFL livestream on Netflix could lead to a significant increase in subscribers and reign supreme in sports livestreaming.

Global Ambitions

The NFL's deal with Netflix represents more than just a business move. Over the years, the organization has been expanding globally, with games in the UK, Mexico, and Germany. London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted two NFL games each season until 2029.There have been rumors of a London franchise, although it is not imminent. Peter O'Reilly emphasized the uniqueness of the sport and the demand for NFL teams in overseas markets. The NFL Heritage Program celebrates international diversity, with players from 70 countries and territories.The International Player Pathway (IPP) program seeks out top talent from overseas and provides them with the opportunity to play in the NFL. Jamaican track and field star Rojé Stona is one such example, showing the potential for local heroes to make it in the NFL.The NFL is committed to becoming a true global sport property, with a year-round presence in priority markets and regular season games played around the world.