NFL Embraces Christmas Day Tradition With Netflix Streaming Partnership
This holiday season, football fans are in for a treat as the NFL makes a bold move by scheduling games on Christmas Day every year. This development sees the league stepping outside its usual boundaries, with this year's yuletide offerings made even more intriguing by a new streaming partner: Netflix.
NFL and Netflix Unite
The renowned streaming giant, Netflix, has definitely been expanding its horizons, branching out beyond series and movies into live sports. This year, it will stream two NFL games on Christmas Day, bringing festive cheer to fans itching for some gridiron action. The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens are the teams set to battle it out, adding a comforting familiarity to a time traditionally reserved for eggnog and presents.
However, Netflix is no stranger to sports. It has previously given fans live events like The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam and is slated to air WWE Monday Night Raw starting in January next year. Moreover, Netflix holds broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. With this NFL agreement, reportedly valued at $150 million, the platform is now poised to become a formidable player in the streaming of live sports.
A Shift in NFL's Holiday Schedule
The decision to host annual Christmas Day games marks a significant shift for the NFL, as these matchups were previously designated for special occasions only. This year presents another twist, with the games set to occur in the middle of the week—an unusual placement in the NFL schedule that undoubtedly adds another layer of intrigue for fans and players alike.
In recent history, over 28 million viewers tuned in to watch last year's Christmas Day NFL games. This level of engagement underscores just how beloved these festive matches have become. Moreover, the NFL’s commitment to continuing this tradition means fans can savor at least one Christmas Day game scheduled for each of the next two seasons, keeping the spirit alive and well.
Looking Forward to New Competing Interests
While Netflix takes the reins on this occasion, it's certainly not the only player in town eyeing holiday football. Amazon Prime Video is reportedly planning to feature its own Christmas game next year within its popular "Thursday Night Football" package, potentially igniting a streaming rivalry that could benefit fans with a wealth of viewing options.
In this new era of sports broadcasting, the Netflix-NFL partnership highlights a growing trend of streaming platforms investing in live sports, eager to tap into the loyal and passionate fanbase that traditional broadcasters have enjoyed for decades. This Christmas, as fans gather around to unwrap presents or simply relish time with family, they can now include the tradition of cheering for touchdowns with a little help from their friends at Netflix.