Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day Streaming: A New Chapter in Sports Broadcasting
2min read Netflix’s first live-streamed NFL games on Christmas Day shattered streaming records, with the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers drawing 24.1 million viewers and the Baltimore Ravens’ win against the Houston Texans attracting 24.3 million viewers. These figures surpassed the previous record of 23 million viewers set by NBCUniversal’s Peacock during a January playoff game. Preliminary data indicates the audience could grow to 30 million per game once global viewership is finalized, marking a milestone for Netflix in live sports streaming.
Despite concerns stemming from glitches during Netflix's coverage of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing event in November, the NFL broadcasts went smoothly. While the pregame show experienced a minor microphone issue, the games and halftime production were glitch-free. Netflix’s delivery reassured both the NFL and viewers of the platform’s capability to handle live events, a critical step in establishing itself as a reliable live-event platform.
Beyoncé stole the spotlight with a 13-minute halftime performance during the Ravens-Texans game, riding into NRG Stadium on a white horse and delivering an electrifying show. Joined by Post Malone and Shaboozey for surprise performances, her set elevated the spectacle, making it a cultural as well as a sports milestone. This marked Beyoncé's continued collaboration with Netflix, bolstering the platform's ability to attract top-tier talent for live events.
Netflix integrated its content seamlessly into the broadcast, releasing a teaser for *Happy Gilmore 2* and featuring celebrities like Travis Kelce, Bad Bunny, and Kid Cudi in promotional material. The ability to promote its own programming while drawing massive audiences to live events underscores Netflix's dual strategy of enhancing its advertising business and promoting original content.
The Christmas Day games mark a significant step in Netflix's live-streaming ambitions, reinforcing its position as a competitor in the sports broadcasting arena. The partnership with the NFL enables Netflix to tap into a massive audience, potentially driving subscriber growth and advertising revenue. The platform’s ability to deliver high-quality streams further validates its commitment to live content, a key area of differentiation from other streaming giants.
While Netflix’s stock has yet to see a dramatic reaction, analysts note that it is holding above a critical support level at $915, which has become a convergence point for the 10-day and 20-day moving averages. Holding this level suggests the potential for a rally to $1,000 in early 2025, reflecting market optimism about Netflix’s live-streaming prospects and advertising growth.
The NFL, pleased with the results, emphasized the high-quality production and stream performance, calling Christmas a prime day for football. Netflix’s three-year, $150 million deal with the NFL, which includes one or two games per holiday season, could redefine its holiday programming strategy. This partnership not only solidifies Christmas as a football tradition but also positions Netflix as a leader in the convergence of sports and entertainment.
With plans to livestream weekly WWE Raw shows in January as part of a 10-year agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment, Netflix is doubling down on live events. The NFL’s successful debut validates its strategy and provides a roadmap for future partnerships. As Netflix continues to innovate in live content, its ability to attract viewers, advertisers, and premium talent like Beyoncé will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and driving stock performance.
In conclusion, Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day broadcast exceeded expectations, showcasing the platform’s technical capabilities, broad reach, and strategic vision. The event positions Netflix to expand its influence in sports broadcasting while solidifying its role as a cultural powerhouse.
