Report: NFL Is Giving More Games To Netflix, YouTube

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 7, 2026 10:31 AM ET

Some fans might not want to hear this, but Netflix and YouTube will get to stream even more NFL games this fall.

As part of ESPN's deal to acquire NFL Network, it gave up four "Monday Night Football" doubleheaders. To be fair, the doubleheaders on Monday night weren't exactly going well for both ESPN and the NFL.

“When we did the deal (with Disney) five years ago, we thought adding two games on Monday night would be a great thing for fans,” NFL executive vice president of media distribution Hans Schroeder said. “It was more free football that was sort of outside of a Sunday afternoon. I think we collectively struggled and realized that fans felt that they were conflicted to choose between those games.”

With the NFL schedule set to release next week, Alex Sherman of CNBC is reporting that Netflix and YouTube will get to stream additional games this fall. The games they'll receive are the ones ESPN gave up.

"Sources tell me the four games that ESPN gave back to the league as part of the league's sale of NFL Network to Disney earlier this year will be divvied up between YouTube and Netflix," Sherman said. "The league is also expected to add an additional game for one of the big global streamers, I'm told. Netflix will return with two Christmas Day games this year – the last year of a three-year deal. I’m told Netflix would like to renew that deal with the NFL. Still, that may be contingent on restricted inventory."

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: NFL Christmas Gameday signage advertising the NFL's two Christmas Day marquee games streaming live on Netflix on December 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

What about the future of "Monday Night Football" on ESPN?

Disney CFO Hugh Johnston revealed this week that ESPN has not yet engaged in renewal conversations for "Monday Night Football." The network's current deal runs through 2030.

"We’re not dogmatic about the process," Johnston said, via Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal. "We’re always willing to have a conversation with the NFL in an effort to find new opportunities for growth. We expect to be in business with the league for years to come, and will of course evaluate this deal as we would any deal — with discipline, and a focus on driving value for Disney shareholders."

As of now, ESPN should feel pretty comfortable about its relationship with the league.

Make no mistake though, Netflix and YouTube will continue to be major players in the NFL.

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

More must-reads: