Netflix to Stream 2 NFL Games Live on Christmas Day: What You Need to Know

Netflix, traditionally known for its wide array of TV shows and movies, has begun to explore live sports streaming. This year, the streaming giant already made waves by broadcasting a highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. Additionally, it has struck a deal with FIFA to stream the FIFA Women's World Cup in the USA, signaling a broader strategy to expand into live sports coverage.

NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix

In a major milestone for the company, Netflix will livestream two NFL games on Christmas Day 2024. This marks the first time the streaming platform will air NFL games. The event, called NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix, kicks off with a two-hour pregame show before the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. The second game of the day features the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans.

Game Times and Availability

The two NFL games will be available to Netflix subscribers worldwide. The first game, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, begins at 11:30 pm IST on Christmas Day. The second game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans will start at 3:00 am IST on December 26.

Netflix's extensive global reach means that all of its 282.3 million subscribers across 190 countries can access the games, marking a historic step as the first streaming service to offer NFL games to a worldwide audience. The games will be available in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. In addition to streaming on Netflix, the games will also air on CBS affiliates in the teams' home markets.

Partnership Between Netflix and the NFL

In May 2024, Netflix signed a three-year contract with the NFL to carry the Christmas Day games. This agreement is part of the NFL’s broader strategy to expand its streaming presence, with Thursday night games already available on Amazon Prime Video, and the Sunday Ticket package moved to YouTube TV in 2023.

The NFL will earn $150 million from Netflix for the two games this season alone, underlining the financial stakes behind the streaming shift. Last year, the three Christmas Day games averaged 28.68 million viewers, showcasing the holiday's popularity for NFL viewership.

Playoff Implications for NFL Teams

The games carry significant playoff implications. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed in the AFC, securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, with a win over the Steelers. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh and Baltimore are locked in a tight race atop the AFC North with 10-5 records. Houston (9-6) has already secured the AFC South title and is vying for the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs.

Challenges for Netflix: Streaming Capacity and Competitor Dynamics

Netflix has learned important lessons about its capacity for livestreaming large events. During a November 2024 boxing match, Netflix reported a peak of 65 million concurrent streams globally, including 38 million streams from the U.S. The surge in viewership led to some issues with outages, although it highlighted Netflix’s ability to handle major live events.

As for the NFL’s expectations, Netflix faces competition from other streaming services that are expanding into live sports, including Amazon Prime Video, which broadcasts Thursday night games, and Peacock, which streamed last season's AFC wild-card game to 23 million viewers. Nielsen will measure the ratings for Netflix's Christmas Day games, with expectations to surpass the viewership of some previous streaming-exclusive games.

Celebrity Appearances and Performances

Adding to the holiday spectacle, Netflix has lined up some celebrity performances. Mariah Carey will open the festivities with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You." The Ravens-Texans game may even overlap with Beyoncé’s halftime performance, further drawing attention to Netflix's live sports debut. Fans are also speculating whether pop star Taylor Swift will attend the Steelers-Chiefs game in Pittsburgh, given her relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

Future of NFL Games on Netflix

This year’s Christmas Day games are just the beginning. Netflix is set to air at least one NFL game on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026, with plans to expand its live sports offerings. In 2024, Amazon Prime Video will stream a night game on Christmas, but Netflix's growing sports portfolio will continue to strengthen its position in the live sports market.

In addition to NFL games, Netflix has secured the U.S. rights to air Monday Night Raw from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) starting January 2024. The streaming giant also recently secured rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups, further expanding its live sports offerings.

Conclusion

Netflix’s entry into live sports streaming represents a significant shift in its content strategy. By securing exclusive rights to NFL games and adding major sporting events like FIFA Women’s World Cup, the platform is positioning itself as a serious contender in the sports streaming landscape. With its global reach and future plans, Netflix is aiming to redefine how live sports are consumed by audiences worldwide, making the holiday season 2024 a major turning point in its live sports journey.