As the holiday season approaches, the battle for your entertainment attention heats up. Will Netflix dominate this Christmas, potentially overshadowing traditional game releases? Let’s dive in and explore the impact of streaming giants on the gaming industry during the festive period.
The NFL’s search for Christmas game broadcasters
As the NFL searches for broadcasters willing to pay between $50 million to $100 million for the broadcast rights to each of the two December 25 games in 2024, rumors have surfaced about a potential partnership with Netflix.
A theory suggesting a Netflix-NFL collaboration
A theory proposed by Boomer Esiason of WFAN suggests that Netflix and the NFL might form a partnership for the Christmas Day football games. While it may seem unlikely, it’s not completely out of the question considering the recent expansion of Netflix’s offerings, including live events like the Tom Brady roast.
The NFL’s growing relationship with Netflix
Although the NFL and Netflix have not yet entered into a direct deal for broadcasts, the two entities have been getting increasingly closer. Netflix has proven its capability to stream live events, and the NFL may see this as an opportunity to tap into a new audience and generate significant revenue.
The NFL’s contractual flexibility
The NFL’s decision to schedule two games on a Wednesday, potentially taking them from CBS and/or Fox, raises questions about the existing broadcast contracts. It’s possible that the contracts were written to allow the NFL the flexibility to modify the schedule as needed. However, the NFL holds significant leverage in these relationships and can ultimately make the final call.
The benefits of a Netflix partnership
With its highly valuable product and limited supply, the NFL holds significant bargaining power. Partnering with Netflix for the Christmas games could bring in a new customer base and a substantial amount of revenue for the league. This potential collaboration could be a win-win situation for both parties.
While it remains uncertain whether Netflix will take over one or both of the Christmas game releases, it’s clear that the NFL is exploring its options. A partnership with Netflix could offer the league new opportunities for growth and revenue. Only time will tell if this speculation becomes a reality come Christmas 2024.