This Christmas, the NFL on Netflix broadcast could look a lot different than last year, as other networks are “reluctant to share talent” with the streamer, according to a report from Front Office Sports.
On December 25, Prime Video and Netflix will each air NFL games on their platforms, with the latter streaming a doubleheader: Commanders-Cowboys and Vikings-Lions. Sources FOS spoke to stated that as of now, ESPN and FOX aren’t expected to allow talent to appear on Netflix, but that may change if the streamer agrees to the terms the networks have demanded.
For the inaugural Christmas Day game last season, Netflix snagged talent from various networks, including the NFL’s other media partners. From those networks, the 2024 Christmas Day slate featured the following talent:
- Mina Kimes, NFL analyst at ESPN
- Manti Te’o, former NFL linebacker and NFL Network analyst
- Laura Rutledge, host at ESPN
- Devin McCourty, NFL analyst at NBC
- Jason McCourty, NFL analyst at ESPN and CBS Sports
- Ian Eagle, play-by-play announcer at CBS Sports
- Nate Burleson, former NFL wide receiver and analyst on The NFL Today and CBS Mornings co-host
- JJ Watt, former NFL defensive end and CBS sports analyst
- Melanie Collins, CBS Sports sideline reporter
- Stacey Dales, NFL Network senior national reporter
- Noah Eagle, play-by-play announcer at NBC Sports
- Greg Olsen, analyst at FOX Sports
- Jamie Erdahl, host at the NFL Network
- Steve Wyche, chief national reporter at the NFL Network
Like last year, CBS is producing this year’s games for Netflix, per the report.
With the sports streaming wars heating up, the reluctance of FOX and ESPN to share talent with the streamer comes as each network is months away from launching their own direct-to-consumer services. FOX One and the new ESPN app will give consumers access to every network by their respective companies without the need for an expensive cable package or long-term contract.
Additionally, Netflix continues to add live sports and programming to its platform, making it a competitor and major threat to the NFL’s legacy partners. With the possibility of the NFL opting out of its current media deal as soon as the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, Netflix could make a bid to air more games. The game within the game between these rival networks and contract exclusivity with talent would reduce the talent pool of big names that Netflix can acquire for its broadcasts.
FOS also notes that FOX bars its talent from appearing on ESPN and CBS. With Prime Video airing Chiefs vs. Broncos on Christmas, if terms aren’t met with FOX and ESPN, Netflix may have to rely on talent from CBS and NFL Network, per the report. NBC Sports, which is producing the first NFL game exclusively streaming on YouTube TV and YouTube in Week 1, could lend talent to Netflix on Christmas as well.
As the league continues to tackle the digital shift, Netflix and other streamers have reportedly shown interest in an international package worth more than $1 billion. Finding the right talent to enhance their Christmas Day broadcast will go a long way to legitimize the streamer in the eyes of fans, who weren’t as confident heading into last year’s games. And with YouTube emerging as a competitor in the streaming market and to legacy partners, that platform has over 2.7 billion monthly users, allowing the league to utilize a partnership that expands younger viewership. However, for cord cutters, the streaming wars could continue to add to the growing frustration with sports fragmentation.
Credit: Front Office Sports