Netflix changes the game with NFL Christmas Day matchups
- Netflix successfully aired two NFL games on Christmas Day, including performances by Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.
- The debut set records with 65 million total viewers engaging, outperforming past streaming benchmarks.
- The event marks a significant milestone for Netflix in its push into live sports broadcasting.
On December 25, 2024, Netflix made its historic entry into live sports broadcasting with a doubleheader of NFL games between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers followed by the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. The event, attracting significant attention, marked a pivotal moment for both the streaming giant and the NFL. As the first exclusively streamed NFL games, these matchups were part of a three-year partnership, with Netflix paying $150 million for the rights to air the games. The Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million viewers while the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 24.1 million, setting new streaming records according to Nielsen data. In total, nearly 65 million viewers engaged with at least one of the games throughout the day, surpassing earlier streaming benchmarks. Additionally, these games were bolstered by high-profile performances, including Mariah Carey kicking off the day and Beyoncé headlining the halftime show. Despite initial concerns about potential technical issues stemming from previous streaming problems, the event proceeded with success, demonstrating Netflix's evolving capabilities in live sports. The partnership aims to solidify Netflix's status as a contender in the growing market for live-event broadcasting.