Netflix to Host NFL’s Christmas Day Games
A New Era for Streaming
In a first, Netflix is set to host the NFL’s two marquee Christmas Day games: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. Beyoncé will headline the halftime show during the latter game, featuring her first live performance of tracks from her "Cowboy Carter" country album.
A Test for Netflix
The games are a key test for the streaming giant as it doubles down on live events programming and aims to provide more than 280 million subscribers with real-time content that was once the exclusive domain of traditional television networks. But amid the hoopla, the company faces questions about whether it has the capacity to stream these events without technical glitches.
Technical Concerns
The concerns were underscored during the heavily hyped boxing match between retired pro Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Netflix called the Nov. 15 fight the most-streamed sporting event ever, peaking at 65 million concurrent streams. But many viewers were frustrated by buffering issues during the livestream.
"’Glitchy’ is a generous way of describing it," said Patrick Crakes, a media consultant and former Fox Sports executive.
Preparations
In the run-up to the big holiday NFL games, Netflix said it studied issues from previous live events and made necessary adjustments. The tweaks include leaning on third-party providers such as Charter Communications and Comcast, which are giving Netflix extra capacity, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Confidence
The media operation at the NFL, which entered into a three-year deal with Netflix to broadcast some games, feels confident about the streaming platform’s bandwidth.
"I think the evolution of the medium is getting there," Brian Rolapp, the league’s chief media and business officer, told CNBC. "And I think they’re taking all the necessary steps to have a great Christmas Day."
Competition
Netflix is not the only major streaming service that has pushed more deeply into high-profile events that were once carried on broadcast networks or cable channels. Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive streaming rights for the NFL’s "Thursday Night Football." Disney+ simulcasts sporting events through its ESPN tile, and Warner Bros.’ Max app plays CNN news broadcasts and NBA games that used to run strictly on TNT. Peacock, the platform owned and operated by NBCUniversal, drew a sizable audience this summer as the streaming home of the Paris Olympics.
Future Plans
Netflix has more high-profile live events on the calendar, including weekly World Wrestling Entertainment "Raw" shows that start streaming in less than two weeks. Then, in 2027 and 2031, Netflix will be home to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Netflix has also shown interest in livestreaming Hollywood awards shows; the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards aired on the platform in late February.
Conclusion
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that Netflix is committed to providing high-quality live events to its subscribers. With the NFL’s Christmas Day games, the company has a chance to prove itself and show that it can handle the demands of live streaming. With its recent tweaks and preparations, Netflix is well-positioned to deliver a glitch-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Netflix’s live streaming capabilities improve with time?
A: Yes, Netflix has been studying issues from previous live events and making necessary adjustments to improve its streaming capabilities.
Q: Can Netflix handle the demands of live streaming high-profile events?
A: Netflix has partnered with third-party providers to give it extra capacity, and the NFL is confident about the streaming platform’s bandwidth.
Q: What other live events can we expect from Netflix in the future?
A: Netflix has plans to livestream Hollywood awards shows, World Wrestling Entertainment "Raw" shows, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
