Netflix Aims for Smooth Streaming of First NFL Games for Christmas
Netflix is gearing up to bring some holiday cheer to its viewers with two exciting NFL games on Christmas Day. The day will kick off with Mariah Carey’s performance of “All I Want for Christmas is You” on Netflix. However, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, Brandon Riegg, is focused on ensuring a smooth streaming experience for all viewers after past streaming issues during a Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight.
Netflix is all set for two games on Christmas Day, the first one starting at 11 a.m. EST between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by the Baltimore Ravens facing the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. EST. These games will be available to Netflix’s massive subscriber base of over 282.3 million in more than 190 countries, a first-time global distribution of an NFL game through one outlet.
Despite surprise from many observers, this move aligns with Netflix’s recent efforts to cater to sports fans by screening various sports events. Recently, Netflix secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment starting January 6. The Tyson-Paul fight reached a global audience of 60 million viewers, with significant viewership in the U.S.
The Christmas games mark the beginning of a three-year deal between Netflix and the NFL, with games also scheduled in 2025 and 2026. While this season-long package deviates from Netflix’s usual content strategy, aligning with the festive spirit on Christmas Day fits perfectly. With renowned personalities like Beyoncé and notable announcers, including the Eagle father-son duo and Watt brothers, Netflix promises an exciting, family-friendly experience for all its viewers.
Netflix is all geared up to make this a memorable and joyful holiday season for all sports and entertainment enthusiasts.
