Netflix and the NFL have announced a three-year deal that will allow the streaming giant to carry games on Christmas Day. This partnership will include games this year and at least one game in 2025 and 2026. The matchups for this year's games are expected to be released soon.
Netflix's chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed excitement about the deal, highlighting the massive audiences that NFL football attracts. Netflix has previously aired NFL programming with shows like "Quarterback" and will premiere a series on wide receivers this year.
This agreement marks Netflix's continued expansion into live sports, following last year's exhibition events in golf and tennis. The streaming service is also set to air the upcoming boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul and will start carrying WWE's flagship show, "Raw," next year.
The NFL has a history of playing games on Christmas Day, with a total of 30 games since 1971, including three last year. This year's Christmas games will be available on broadcast TV in the competing teams' home cities and on mobile devices in the U.S. with NFL+.
Overall, this partnership between Netflix and the NFL represents a significant move for both parties. Netflix gains access to a highly popular and widely watched sport, while the NFL expands its reach to a new audience through a prominent streaming platform. The inclusion of Christmas Day games adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for football fans during the holiday season.