Netflix is stepping up its game in the sports world by expanding its NFL coverage. Under a new deal announced recently, the streaming giant will feature a total of five regular-season NFL games along with the highly anticipated NFL Honors until 2029. This move represents a significant increase from the two games Netflix previously aired on Christmas Day since 2024.
So, what can football fans expect? Netflix will be airing games on key dates: one during Week 1, another on Thanksgiving Eve, two on Christmas Day, and a final match during the last week of the regular season.
Two of the matches have already been confirmed. The Los Angeles Rams will face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, during the Week 1 game. Following that, the Rams will host the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Eve, November 25. Both games will be shown in primetime in the U.S. at 8:35 p.m. ET, making them accessible for fans back home.
The kickoff for the Australian game will actually take place at 10:35 a.m. on September 11 in Melbourne, due to the time difference. This exciting matchup is part of a total of nine international games scheduled by the NFL this upcoming season, demonstrating the league’s commitment to growing its global fanbase.
“We’ve seen how many fans are already on Netflix, so we thought it was a tremendous opportunity to deepen the partnership,” said Hans Schroeder, the NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution. This collaboration aims to enhance the viewing experience for fans around major holidays and significant events, showcasing Netflix’s ability to elevate such occasions.
The Thanksgiving Eve and Week 18 games are part of the four games that returned to the NFL after ESPN acquired NFL Network. Interestingly, the Week 1 game was streamed on YouTube last season, marking a shift in how fans can access NFL games.
Additionally, the NFL Honors, which began during the 2012 Super Bowl, will also benefit from this partnership. This event highlights award winners and will now reach a worldwide audience on Netflix, rather than being limited to the network airing the Super Bowl.
Among the awards presented at the NFL Honors are the prestigious Most Valuable Player, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year. This move not only enhances the visibility of the league’s accolades but also allows fans to engage more deeply with the NFL’s culture.
The complete schedule, including all Christmas Day matchups, will be revealed soon. Fans are especially eager to see the Week 18 Saturday games, which are strategically announced close to the date to prioritize games with playoff implications.
In addition to sports coverage, Netflix is also gearing up for the third season of its documentary series Quarterback, set to premiere on July 14. This season will feature notable players like Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their journeys.
With these developments, Netflix is not just enhancing its sports offerings but is also establishing itself as a significant player in the realm of live sports broadcasting. As fans gear up for the upcoming NFL season, this partnership is sure to bring thrilling moments and unforgettable experiences right to their screens.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
