Netflix-NFL partnership has interesting wrinkle

As fans await the first-ever NFL game on Netflix this December, it sounds like Christmas Day 2024 could be the first of many for watching football on the streaming platform.

Longtime media reporter Peter Kafka of Business Insider and Vox Media reported Wednesday that Netflix has the rights to opt into more games in future seasons as part of its agreement with the NFL.

“I asked them, and they said they have the option to renew in the following years and to do multiple games,” Kafka said on Puck’s The Varsity podcast .

The original deal was reported for three years with at least one game in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Per Kafka, it sounds as if the agreement may include additional years beyond 2026 if Netflix chooses to exercise its option to broadcast games after that.

Netflix reportedly paid the NFL about $75 million per game. In its first real foray into live sports broadcasting, the streamer is banking on the games bringing in new subscribers and giving its existing base another reason to stick around.

With about 11 weeks to go before the games, Netflix is reportedly thinking big with its broadcast team. The streamer reportedly pursued Fox’s top broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady before homing in on Ian Eagle and Greg Olsen as targets.

At the same time, Barstool Sports host and retired NFL lineman Taylor Lewan recently revealed he was on the shortlist of potential sideline reporters.

NFL Network’s Rich Eisen was previously announced as the studio host for Netflix’s games this year.

If Netflix can pull off a solid broadcast and achieve its own business goals, this could very well become a long-term partnership.

[ The Varsity Podcast ]

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