Netflix wants to expand its relationship with the NFL
Netflix has dipped its toe into the NFL ocean with a pair of Christmas games over the past two seasons. Will there be more NFL on Netflix? Apparently, yes.
“The NFL is a great property, and it delivers value as part of our total offering," Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos said on an earnings call this week, via Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing . " We are in discussions right now , because we think there’s an opportunity to expand the relationship. We’ve learned a lot about what works, and how to value the NFL and live content generally over the last couple of years.
" It's unclear what the "discussions" relate to. YouTube reportedly is working on a long-form contract with the NFL for the five-game package that was offered to potential partners for 2026; Netflix, YouTube, and Fox were the three candidates as of last weekend. Could Netflix also be talking to the league about taking over one of the weekly packages?
The full aspirations of Netflix aren't known. It reportedly " would love " to televise the first game of the season, which is currently part of the NBC package. Last October, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said a full package " doesn’t really fit with our strategy .
" Peters said Netflix wants more games that the streamer can " eventize . " Still, Netflix chief content office Bela Bajaria blurted out in February 2025 the possibility of taking over one of the Sunday afternoon packages . And Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said Netflix will become a " huge part of our future .