NFL games debut on Netflix Christmas Day; global streaming, star performances, and playoff stakes highlight milestone event.
Netflix is streaming NFL games for the first time on Christmas Day.
The event, titled “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix,” features a two-hour pregame show before the games kick off.
Pittsburgh will host Kansas City, and Baltimore will face Houston in the afternoon matches.
This arrangement is part of a three-year contract signed in May for Christmas Day games.
The games will be available to Netflix’s 282.3 million subscribers in 190 countries, making it the first platform to distribute an NFL game globally.
Netflix will provide the games in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.
Additionally, the games will air on CBS affiliates in the teams’ local markets.
The NFL’s decision to move games to a streaming platform stems from financial motivations, with the league receiving $150 million for these two games.
Despite being on a typically quiet day for NFL games, Christmas has proven popular, drawing over 28 million viewers in 2022.
All four teams involved have secured playoff spots, but positioning is still uncertain.
Kansas City can secure the top seed with a win against Pittsburgh, while the Steelers and Ravens are in a tight race in the AFC North.
Netflix has addressed streaming issues experienced during previous events and aims for smooth service during these games.
Celebrity performances, including Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, are scheduled to enhance the day.
Netflix will continue airing Christmas games in the coming years.
