As the NFL prepares to renegotiate its TV deals, many have pointed to Netflix as a potential option. Its CEO has thrown cold water on that notion.
What We Know: While appearing on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria, Sarandos said a whole season package isn’t in the cards for Netflix right now.
What They Said: “We’re leaning into live events, which include live sports. And we just did in Japan. We had the World Baseball Classic, broke all viewing records for us in Japan. So, these, again, leaning into the eventized event. We’re not bidding on whole seasons of sports, including the NFL. But we have found, by the way, the NFL to be a great partner. And they’re looking to innovate constantly. I feel like it’s a great American story. Because it’s a great American product. The fact they keep leaning into and investing in this thing that people love, and expanding reach to it by going to where the people are. As viewers move a little bit from linear more and more into streaming and on-demand, if the games aren’t there, it seems kind of ridiculous. You don’t run in the opposite direction of the American consumer.” -Ted Sarandos
What Remains Unclear: Whether or not Netflix will expand its NFL programming for the 2026 season. Netflix broadcast a Christmas Day doubleheader in 2025. It appears primed to broadcast a Thanksgiving Eve game in 2026, as well. The NFL has yet to announce whether or not that game will officially take place. It appears as if a second Black Friday contest has gone by the wayside. CBS Sports added a standalone primetime window on Saturday, December 19th. It is widely believed that it was previously viewed as the second Black Friday broadcast. Netflix is also viewed as the frontrunner to broadcast a Week 1 game from Australia.
What It Means: The loss of Netflix as a potential bidder has to be viewed as a negative by the NFL. It wants as many suitors as possible. And it certainly wants as many suitors with as much capital as Netflix can bring.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
