After breaking into live sports broadcasting just a few months ago, it appears Netflix is going after the rights for the biggest sports league in the United States.
It wasn’t long ago that Netflix broadcast the Formula One and PGA Tour golfing crossover event that they dubbed ‘The Netflix Cup’.
Now, after their latest live broadcasting coup in the Roast of Tom Brady, the streaming giant seems poised to produce a live NFL Christmas doubleheader.
According to longtime sports business insider John Ourand, the streaming service is the ‘likely winner’ on a bid to air two games on Christmas Day.
It’s not clear how much Netflix would pay for the rights to these two matchups, however reports indicate that it could be in a range of $100m-$200m for the pair.
Netflix is the front-runner for the rights to broadcast an NFL Christmas Day doubleheader
The NFL has reportedly asked for compensation that could be in the $100m-$200m range
It should be noted that nothing has been finalized and, as reports indicate, there are still hurdles to clear before pen is put to paper.
‘Still, Netflix has a lot more questions than answers right now about its Christmas plan, from who will produce the games to how much it will pay,’ Ourand wrote.
‘For comparison’s sake, Amazon paid $100 million for the exclusive rights to that unwatchable Jets-Dolphins Black Friday rain-out contest. Would Netflix pay double for a package of two games, and the chance to own Christmas Day? More?’
The Shield initially indicated that there wouldn’t be any games on the holiday, as it falls on a Wednesday this year.
However, after the ratings blockbusters of last year, they pulled an about face on that decision.
It appears that the teams who are set for these Wednesday contests will be playing on the previous Saturday in order to ensure proper rest.
Netflix has plenty on its plate 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 re-match with Katie Taylor.
