Netflix Eyes More NFL Games: Could It Spark a Bidding War?

Netflix (NFLX) has been making waves in the live sports world, and it seems the streaming giant is hungry for more. After the success of its Christmas Day NFL games, which broke streaming records, Netflix's chief content officer Bela Bajaria has expressed interest in pursuing Sunday afternoon NFL games. This could potentially spark a bidding war with traditional broadcasters CBS and Fox, who currently hold the rights to these games.

Netflix's foray into live sports has been a calculated move, with the company focusing on "big events" that can drive subscriber growth and advertising revenue. The Christmas Day NFL games, for instance, reached a total of 65 million viewers in the United States, indicating a strong appetite for NFL content on streaming platforms. This success has likely encouraged Netflix to explore more opportunities in the live sports arena.

However, acquiring full-season sports rights, such as the Sunday afternoon NFL games, would be a significant departure from Netflix's previous strategy. The company has historically avoided long-term, full-season deals due to the high costs and financial risks involved. But with the NFL's broad appeal and the potential for high viewership and advertising revenue, Netflix may be willing to take a chance on these games.

If Netflix does decide to bid on the Sunday afternoon NFL games, it could face stiff competition from CBS and Fox, who have held these rights for years. Both networks have deep pockets and a vested interest in maintaining their hold on these lucrative games. However, Netflix's global reach and unique platform could give it an edge in negotiations, as it could offer the NFL exposure to new, international audiences.

In conclusion, Netflix's interest in more NFL games, particularly the Sunday afternoon games, could potentially spark a bidding war with traditional broadcasters CBS and Fox. While this would be a significant shift in Netflix's sports strategy, the high viewership and advertising potential of NFL content may be too tempting for the streaming giant to pass up. As the NFL's media rights deals come up for renewal, we can expect to see some heated competition for these coveted games.