Netflix is gearing up for what could be a game-changing moment for the streaming giant: its first live streaming of NFL games on Christmas Day. The platform is set to debut two highly anticipated matchups—headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens squaring off against the Houston Texans. Adding to the excitement, pop icon Beyoncé will perform during the halftime show of the second game, creating what promises to be a festive and thrilling viewing experience.
Despite its ambitions to draw millions of viewers, Netflix is acutely aware of the pressure it faces after its recent live events encountered significant technical difficulties. The company previously struggled during the much-publicized boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, with viewers reporting numerous issues including buffering and poor video quality. Approximately 90,000 viewers encountered problems, which reportedly stemmed from Netflix's underestimation of the audience size—three times larger than expected, overwhelming the platform.
The company isn’t taking any chances with the NFL debut. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence, stating, "We never want to have technical issues or a disappointing experience for our members." Lessons from the past have led Netflix to implement changes aimed at avoiding previous pitfalls during this momentous event.
The excitement will kick off with the Chiefs vs. Steelers game at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The Chiefs, boasting a remarkable 14-1 record and led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are on fire, having won their last five games. They will enter the matchup with momentum after defeating the Texans 27-19, where Mahomes showcased his skills by throwing for one touchdown and running for another.
On the other end of the field, the Steelers, who hold a 10-5 record, are eager to snap their two-game losing streak. They face significant stakes as they compete for playoff positioning, coming off the heels of a tough 34-17 loss to their AFC North rivals, the Ravens. For Pittsburgh, the return of wide receiver George Pickens could be pivotal; head coach Mike Tomlin said Pickens has the potential to play, which could significantly impact the game’s dynamics.
Following the Chiefs vs. Steelers matchup, the Texans will take on the Ravens at 4:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are also vying for playoff berths, with the Ravens sitting at 10-5 and the Texans at 9-6. The stakes are high for Houston; not only do they need this win, but it's also their chance to clinch the AFC South title and secure home-field advantage during the playoffs.
With approximately 35 million concurrent viewers expected, Netflix has ramped up its preparations. The platform has adjusted its content delivery systems and enhanced its streaming protocols to handle the substantial traffic, taking previous learnings seriously. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, noted, "We were stressing our own technology… we were pushing every ISP (Internet Service Provider) in the world right to the limits of their own capacity" during prior events. For the Christmas matches, he is optimistic, believing the issues from the past will serve as stepping stones for success.
This Christmas Day event not only marks the first time NFL games will be exclusively streamed on Netflix, but it is also set to introduce commercial breaks within the live stream—a significant shift as Netflix has previously focused on ad-free offerings. Major brands, including FanDuel and Verizon, have already signed on as advertisers for the games, showcasing the dual approach Netflix is taking by blending sports with its growing ad business.
To create added excitement around the event, Mariah Carey will perform her classic holiday song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," to kick off the festivities. With millions of holiday viewers tuning in, Netflix hopes to create memorable experiences beyond just the NFL games. The allure of high-stakes football wrapped up with star-studded entertainment is expected to draw fans from all corners.
The two games promise thrilling matchups as playoff stakes are intertwined with entertainment from Beyoncé and other featured performances, highlighting the unique blend of sports and streaming culture. With the NFL viewing experience embedded within Netflix's platform, fans are anticipating how this venture will shape the future of sports broadcasting on streaming services.
No doubt, Christmas Day is poised to become a landmark day for Netflix, marking its entry as serious players in the live sports broadcasting arena. By addressing past issues with proactive improvements and enlisting star power, Netflix aims to solidify its footing and momentum within this competitive space. Regardless of the results on Christmas, the message is clear: Live sports is the new frontier for streaming services, and Netflix is fully committed to making its mark.