The NFL and Netflix are gearing up for a special Christmas Day, with plans to stream two highly anticipated games on December 25, 2024. Fans will witness the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens facing the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET. This marks not only the first time the NFL will broadcast its Christmas games on Netflix, but also the beginning of what many hope will become a new holiday tradition.
The games, which could have significant playoff seeding ramifications, will feature prominently-articulated plans for entertainment and viewership. Notably, both showdowns will be enriched by high-profile musical performances—Mariah Carey will set the stage for the Chiefs-Steelers game and Beyoncé will perform during halftime of the Ravens-Texans matchup. "I think her appeal, the interest she will have and she will bring from a broader perspective... will be awesome," said Hans Schroeder, NFL's executive vice president of media distribution, emphasizing the crossover appeal these stars bring beyond the sports fanbase.
Footage of the Christmas Day festivities will stream exclusively on Netflix. Streaming without the traditional national TV channels like NBC or FOX offers subscribers the chance to enjoy the games without additional costs, provided they're located within local market areas where alternatives are available. CBS will handle the production, ensuring quality akin to what fans are used to on cable. While Netflix will be streaming the games, local CBS affiliates such as KDKA in Pittsburgh and KCTV in Kansas City will also broadcast the contests. This arrangement ensures local fans can catch the action without needing to sign up for the streaming service—certainly a nod to convenience amid today's increasingly fragmented viewing habits.
The collaboration between the NFL and Netflix is part of a broader trend where major sports leagues seek stability through live streaming platforms. The league’s $150 million deal with Netflix not only assures coverage of the Christmas Day games this year but also extends to at least one Christmas game per year over the next three seasons.
For those not residing within the designated local markets, signing up for Netflix will be necessary to catch both games live. Netflix has three plans available, starting with the Standard option at $15.49; this price point places access to the games within reach for many fans. “The games give Netflix, which has experimented with live events through comedy specials and reality shows, a valuable entertainment commodity,” said one anonymous NFL analyst, underscoring the significance of these broadcasts to the streamer.
Historically, midweek NFL games on Christmas Day are few and far between. The league has designated certain key dates over the last few years for Christmas games, typically when the holiday lands on the weekend; this will be the first time the NFL has played on Christmas during the middle of the week, adjusting scheduling strategies to facilitate games. Teams like the Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens, and Texans, all played the prior Saturday, ensuring minimal turnaround issues for such unique matchups.
The excitement around the Netflix broadcast extends beyond just the games themselves. With viewer expectations rising, Netflix's technology will face scrutiny after their previous performance during the Tyson-Paul fight, which was marred by buffering issues and audio quality concerns. "I think there were some bumps, certainly, with Netflix...but everything we’ve seen, we think their plan... we’re incredibly confident," Schroeder reassured the audience, hinting at extensive preparations to avoid past errors.
Streaming live sports is becoming increasingly integral for platforms like Netflix, as they strive to attract millions of viewers. The Christmas Day doubleheader aims not only to create unforgettable holiday memories for fans but also helps solidify Netflix’s growing credibility as a viable sports broadcaster. After all, with significant investments made by the NFL, it’s clear both partners are optimistic about their new venture.
With all eyes on Christmas Day, the streaming juggernaut hopes to gain traction amid fierce competition for sports viewership. Given the NFL’s popularity and past viewing figures—over 28 million people tuned in to Christmas games last year—subscribers and non-subscribers alike might just find themselves drawn to Netflix for what promises to be both thrilling football and spectacular entertainment.
Mark your calendars—December 25 is set to be action-packed with gridiron battles and star-studded musical performances, all streaming live. The NFL's brave foray onto this platform presents both an opportunity and challenge, marking the dawn of what could be the future of NFL broadcasting.
Christmas games on Netflix are here, and no doubt, they’re bringing along some added holiday cheer.
