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Netflix Reportedly Has Big Plans In Mind For The NFL

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 18, 2025 11:15 AM ET

Netflix and the NFL will renew their relationship with another Christmas doubleheader this year. The streaming platform reportedly hopes to expand its reach beyond the holiday.

Last year, Netflix streamed two marquee AFC matchups on Dec. 25. That arrangement will continue in 2025, with the Dallas Cowboys playing the Washington Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings hosting the Detroit Lions on Netflix.

On Thursday, CNBC's Alex Sherman reported that Netflix is pursuing more NFL exposure.

"Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos told me he frequently talks about adding more NFL games with [Roger] Goodell, but the question always comes back to whether Netflix feels it can 'eventize' the game beyond a random regular season occasion," Sherman wrote.

While it's unclear if the NFL wants to give Netflix more games, the league at least seems eager to maintain the current situation. Sherman noted that Goodell wore a Santa Claus jacket at Netflix's Upfront presentation to reveal the Christmas games.

"There's a reason the NFL commissioner showed up at this Upfront. Netflix has a market valuation of nearly $500 billion," Sherman said. "To use a Christmas analogy, Goodell wants to make sure Netflix isn't just the ghost of Christmas present, but also the ghost of Christmas future."

Sherman repeated his conversation with Sarandos on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast and speculated that the NFL could potentially work with Netflix to build a 15-game package.

Some fans could be frustrated about needing multiple streaming subscriptions to watch games aired beyond CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. Amazon Prime Video will keep streaming Thursday Night Football, and Peacock will exclusively stream a Week 17 game on Saturday, Dec. 27.

While the NBA was careful to limit media affiliations to avoid customer confusion and unrest, Sherman noted that the NFL "does not care." He also reasoned that the league's traditional network partners have little leverage to push back on losing more games to streaming platforms.

"They are completely tied to the NFL," Sherman said of the NFL's broadcast partners. "They are desperate. They are unbelievable bidders because of their desperation. Roger Goodell knows this, so it is a fantastic situation for the NFL."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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