The NFL’s partnership with Netflix may have just begun, but its impact has already been felt across the sports and streaming landscapes. For the first time ever, NFL games were streamed on Netflix during the 2024 season—and the experiment wasn’t just successful, it made history. Now, with another Christmas Day doubleheader lined up for 2025, the streaming giant is signaling that it's not content with just a holiday cameo. It wants more—and the league might be ready to deliver.
Netflix’s NFL ambitions grow as it plans to turn football games into must-watch streaming spectacles
During an insightful conversation on The Town podcast with Matthew Belloni, CNBC’s Alex Sherman shared key details from his discussion with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who revealed that talks with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have already taken place. “I spoke to Ted Sarandos. He admitted to me, like, ‘Yeah, I talked to Roger Goodell on the side about adding even more games beyond our two Christmas games,’” Sherman disclosed. The catch? Netflix needs to find a way to "eventize" those games—make them feel like must-see moments, not just another game on the schedule.
That strategy appears to be working. Netflix pulled out all the stops for its first NFL showcase in 2024. Viewers were treated to a high-stakes AFC clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a hometown celebration for Houston as the Ravens took on the Texans—complete with a star-studded halftime performance by none other than Beyoncé. According to Netflix, those matchups went on to become the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history. That’s no small feat.
Looking ahead, Netflix’s 2025 Christmas lineup features two high-drama matchups: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, and the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. Both games carry major playoff implications in their respective divisions, and with Dallas—America’s Team—on the bill, fan engagement is practically guaranteed.
But the question remains: Is this just a holiday fling, or the start of something more permanent? If recent patterns are anything to go by, it's the latter. The NFL has been steadily peeling games away from traditional broadcast partners to embrace streaming. Thursday Night Football has found a home on Prime Video. Peacock is now airing playoff games. And Netflix, with its massive global reach, is looking to carve out a more prominent role.
As Sherman pointed out, “Maybe the NFL works with Netflix and gives them a package of 15 games that they can figure out how to eventize.” That possibility is more realistic than ever, especially considering the league’s willingness to play on nearly any day that guarantees viewership—be it Fridays, Saturdays, or international dates. Netflix thrives on content that feels exclusive and elevated, and the NFL is arguably the best sports product to deliver that.
Interestingly, just a year ago the NFL insisted it wouldn’t host Christmas games on weekdays like Tuesday or Wednesday. But money talks—and Netflix's influence has already changed that narrative. The 2024 doubleheader is scheduled on a Wednesday, and the league has now committed to hosting three Christmas games annually, regardless of the day. Clearly, the economics make sense.
The streaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and the NFL is embracing the shift. With Netflix bringing in new audiences—including fans drawn in by unique touches like Beyoncé’s halftime show—the partnership is proving mutually beneficial. Don’t be surprised if, by 2026, Netflix moves beyond the holiday spotlight and becomes a regular player in the NFL broadcast arena. The game is changing—and Netflix is ready to play.
Also Read: Patrick Mahomes deserves extra pay for primetime games, and even Adam Schefter thinks the NFL owes him
Netflix’s NFL ambitions grow as it plans to turn football games into must-watch streaming spectacles
During an insightful conversation on The Town podcast with Matthew Belloni, CNBC’s Alex Sherman shared key details from his discussion with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who revealed that talks with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have already taken place. “I spoke to Ted Sarandos. He admitted to me, like, ‘Yeah, I talked to Roger Goodell on the side about adding even more games beyond our two Christmas games,’” Sherman disclosed. The catch? Netflix needs to find a way to "eventize" those games—make them feel like must-see moments, not just another game on the schedule.
That strategy appears to be working. Netflix pulled out all the stops for its first NFL showcase in 2024. Viewers were treated to a high-stakes AFC clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a hometown celebration for Houston as the Ravens took on the Texans—complete with a star-studded halftime performance by none other than Beyoncé. According to Netflix, those matchups went on to become the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history. That’s no small feat.
Boxing GameDay on @NetflixANZ is BACK in 2025 with two NFC divisional matchups to continue your holiday festivities.
— NFL Australia & NZ (@NFLAUNZ) May 15, 2025
📆: @dallascowboys vs. @Commanders
📆: @Lions vs. @vikings
Can't wait! 🏈 #DallasCowboys #HTTC #OnePride #SKOL pic.twitter.com/UYDBXHrfQv
Looking ahead, Netflix’s 2025 Christmas lineup features two high-drama matchups: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, and the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. Both games carry major playoff implications in their respective divisions, and with Dallas—America’s Team—on the bill, fan engagement is practically guaranteed.
But the question remains: Is this just a holiday fling, or the start of something more permanent? If recent patterns are anything to go by, it's the latter. The NFL has been steadily peeling games away from traditional broadcast partners to embrace streaming. Thursday Night Football has found a home on Prime Video. Peacock is now airing playoff games. And Netflix, with its massive global reach, is looking to carve out a more prominent role.
As Sherman pointed out, “Maybe the NFL works with Netflix and gives them a package of 15 games that they can figure out how to eventize.” That possibility is more realistic than ever, especially considering the league’s willingness to play on nearly any day that guarantees viewership—be it Fridays, Saturdays, or international dates. Netflix thrives on content that feels exclusive and elevated, and the NFL is arguably the best sports product to deliver that.
Interestingly, just a year ago the NFL insisted it wouldn’t host Christmas games on weekdays like Tuesday or Wednesday. But money talks—and Netflix's influence has already changed that narrative. The 2024 doubleheader is scheduled on a Wednesday, and the league has now committed to hosting three Christmas games annually, regardless of the day. Clearly, the economics make sense.
The streaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and the NFL is embracing the shift. With Netflix bringing in new audiences—including fans drawn in by unique touches like Beyoncé’s halftime show—the partnership is proving mutually beneficial. Don’t be surprised if, by 2026, Netflix moves beyond the holiday spotlight and becomes a regular player in the NFL broadcast arena. The game is changing—and Netflix is ready to play.
Also Read: Patrick Mahomes deserves extra pay for primetime games, and even Adam Schefter thinks the NFL owes him
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