For the first time, Netflix is stepping into the live sports arena by streaming two NFL games on Christmas Day. This groundbreaking partnership promises fans an unforgettable holiday football experience, blending crucial playoff implications, celebrity performances, and extensive pregame coverage. Christmas Day will feature the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans, streamed live for Netflix’s global audience.
Both games will be available to Netflix’s 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries. The service will offer commentary in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German, further emphasizing its international appeal. Local CBS affiliates in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Houston will also broadcast the games, adhering to NFL policies. Mobile viewers in the U.S. can stream the games on NFL+, ensuring fans across all platforms are covered.
Adding to the excitement, Mariah Carey will open the festivities with a performance of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” while Beyoncé will headline the halftime show during the Ravens-Texans game. These performances highlight the entertainment value Netflix aims to bring alongside the thrill of live football.
Why the NFL Partnered with Netflix
The NFL’s move to collaborate with Netflix reflects its strategy to explore streaming platforms for larger audience engagement and revenue growth. Netflix’s $150 million, three-year deal to stream Christmas Day games underscores the league’s focus on diversifying its broadcast options. This follows similar deals, such as Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime and Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV.
The NFL’s Christmas Day games are highly anticipated due to their proven viewership appeal. Last year’s matchups averaged 28.68 million viewers, with the Raiders vs. Chiefs leading at 29.48 million. These numbers demonstrate the massive potential of holiday football and the decision to capitalize on streaming’s growing audience base. Scheduling considerations ensured teams have adequate rest between games, aligning with traditional Sunday-to-Thursday gaps.
Playoff Stakes for Competing Teams
These Christmas Day matchups hold significant playoff implications. The Kansas City Chiefs, sitting at 14-1, aim to clinch the AFC’s top seed with a win against the Steelers, securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, both at 10-5, are battling for dominance in the AFC North. The Steelers currently hold the tiebreaker due to a superior conference record. The Houston Texans, having clinched the AFC South with a 9-6 record, are locked into the fourth seed but remain eager to prove their strength against the Ravens.
Netflix Prepares for Live Streaming Challenges
As Netflix ventures into live sports, ensuring a smooth streaming experience is paramount. The platform conducted rigorous system stress tests following earlier issues during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, which peaked at 65 million concurrent streams globally. While the audience for these NFL games is expected to fall short of that record, Netflix anticipates numbers rivaling the 23 million viewers who tuned into last season’s AFC wild-card game on Peacock. Nielsen will monitor viewership, with preliminary ratings expected by Thursday afternoon.
A New Era in Sports Broadcasting
The NFL’s collaboration with Netflix is a bold step toward redefining sports broadcasting. By combining cutting-edge streaming technology with the excitement of live, high-stakes football, Netflix is poised to deliver an exceptional experience for fans worldwide. Whether it’s Mariah Carey’s iconic opening, Beyoncé’s halftime performance, or the playoff battles on the field, this Christmas promises to be a landmark moment in sports entertainment. Don’t miss out—tune in and be part of history on Netflix.