After launching into live sports broadcasts a few months ago, it appears that Netflix is going after the rights to the largest sports league in the United States.
Not long ago, Netflix was streaming the Formula 1 and PGA Tour golf crossover event they dubbed “The Netflix Cup.”
Now, after their latest live broadcast stunt in the Roast of Tom Brady, the streaming giant appears ready to produce a live NFL Christmas doubleheader.
According to longtime sports insider John Ourand, the streaming service is the “likely winner” in airing two games on Christmas Day.
It’s unclear exactly how much Netflix would pay for the rights to these two showdowns, but reports indicate it could be anywhere between $100 million and $200 million for the pair.
Netflix frontrunner for streaming rights to NFL Christmas Day doubleheader
The NFL has reportedly requested compensation that could be between $100 million and $200 million.
It should be noted that nothing is finalized yet and as reports indicate, there are still hurdles to overcome before putting pen to paper.
“Yet Netflix currently has far more questions than answers about its Christmas plan, from who will produce the games to how much it will pay,” Ourand wrote.
“For comparison, Amazon paid $100 million for the exclusive rights to that unforgettable Jets-Dolphins Black Friday contest. Would Netflix pay double for a package of two games and the chance to own on Christmas Day? More?’
The Shield initially indicated there would be no matches on the holiday as it falls on a Wednesday this year.
However, after last year’s ratings blockbusters, they reversed course on that decision.
It appears that teams scheduled for these Wednesday contests will play the previous Saturday to ensure adequate rest.
Netflix has a lot to live up to when it comes to upcoming live sports broadcasts. The service is set to exclusively host the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in a multi-card event that will also feature Amanda Serrano in a rematch with Katie Taylor.