Netflix is reportedly considering a bid for Premier League television rights after narrowly missing out on key UEFA club competition deals, according to reporting by Martyn Ziegler of The Times.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said the streaming giant had competed for the global contract to show the UEFA Super Cup, as well as Champions League rights in Germany for the 2027-31 cycle.
While Netflix’s offers were described as competitive, UEFA was reportedly “unable to unwrap the Super Cup from the rest of its rights,” and Paramount+ ultimately edged out Netflix for the Champions League package in Germany.
The developments signal a shift in football broadcasting. Netflix and Paramount are now pursuing soccer rights. Their pursuit increases competition with traditional sports broadcasters. The moves could affect Sky and TNT Sports in the U.K. They could also impact NBC in the United States. These changes come as the Premier League’s domestic and overseas agreements near renewal.
The Premier League’s current domestic TV contracts run through 2029. Meanwhile, NBC holds the U.S. rights under the league’s largest overseas deal. The contract is valued at nearly $2.6 billion over six years. It expires in 2028. Bids for the next round of packages are expected to begin next year. This timeline creates potential opportunities for streaming platforms to enter one of the world’s most lucrative sports markets
Competition for sports rights has grown increasingly intense as traditional broadcasters face pressure from digital platforms. Paramount’s recent UEFA successes demonstrate the appetite of streaming services to secure marquee football events, challenging the dominance of established networks.
Netflix’s entry into the bidding fray marks the next evolution in the sport’s broadcasting ecosystem.
While Netflix has not confirmed formal bids for Premier League packages, its interest shows a broader strategy. The company wants to expand its live sports offerings. Netflix previously focused on documentary-style content and behind-the-scenes programming. It has now shifted toward live rights as a complement to its entertainment portfolio
The platform has so far focused on one-off events – including an NFL game last Christmas and the heavily watched Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight, with a peak of 65 million streams – and will show Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul on 19 December. It has also secured US rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups, and its bid for Champions League rights in Germany is seen as a test of the waters in men’s football.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
