Netflix’s Priority: Ensuring Smooth Streaming for First NFL Games

Netflix is gearing up for an exciting Christmas Day lineup with two NFL games, promising viewers a festive and enjoyable experience. The day will kick off with a special performance from Mariah Carey singing “All I Want for Christmas is You,” setting the tone for a day filled with football fun.

Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, is well aware that none of the planned festivities will matter if there are streaming issues. After facing challenges during the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight in November, Riegg and his team have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth streaming experience for the anticipated influx of viewers on game day.

The first game on Wednesday will feature the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. Both games will be available to Netflix’s massive global audience of over 282 million subscribers in more than 190 countries. This marks a significant milestone as the first time a single platform will stream an NFL game worldwide.

Despite initial surprise from observers, Netflix’s decision to venture into streaming NFL games is part of a broader effort to appeal to sports fans of all kinds. The streaming giant recently secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.

When Netflix aired the Tyson-Paul fight, it drew a staggering global audience of 60 million viewers, with 65 million concurrent streams at its peak. Although there were some technical challenges reported by viewers, the experience served as a valuable learning opportunity for Netflix’s engineering team. They have since implemented numerous fixes and improvements to enhance the viewing experience for future events.

Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected to be released on December 26th. The games will also air on CBS affiliates in key markets as part of a league policy to ensure broader accessibility to viewers across different platforms.

As part of its long-term strategy, Netflix is ensuring that its Christmas Day games feel warm, festive, and family-friendly. The broadcast will feature prominent personalities like Ian and Noah Eagle, JJ Watt, Jason and Devin McCourty, and Laura Rutledge, promising an engaging and entertaining viewing experience for fans.

With an impressive lineup of announcers and analysts, including NFL legends like Drew Brees and Manti Te’o, Netflix is poised to deliver a high-quality football experience on Christmas Day. NFL Network and CBS Sports will collaborate on the production, with EverWonder Studio executive producing NFL Christmas Gameday to ensure a seamless and exciting broadcast for viewers worldwide.