In our previous articles, we discussed how critical this NFL event was for Netflix, analyzing its potential to either mark a breakthrough or expose vulnerabilities in live sports streaming. Following the event, Netflix achieved notable wins, demonstrating its capacity to handle live broadcasts at scale. However, some challenges persisted. Now, we delve into the aftermath, focusing on the viewership stats that define this pivotal moment for Netflix.
Netflix made its highly anticipated debut in live NFL streaming this Christmas with a doubleheader featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans. According to Nielsen, the games averaged 24.2 million viewers in the U.S., with the Chiefs-Steelers game drawing 24.1 million and the Ravens-Texans game slightly surpassing it with 24.3 million. The latter peaked at 27 million viewers during Beyoncé’s halftime performance. Netflix also reported that 65 million unique U.S. viewers tuned in for at least one minute of the broadcasts.
The Take:
Legacy Broadcasters Maintain Their Edge
While Netflix’s numbers are record-breaking for a streaming-exclusive NFL game, they fell short compared to traditional broadcast networks. Last year’s Christmas NFL games on CBS and Fox averaged 29 million viewers each, showcasing the enduring strength of legacy broadcasters in reaching large audiences. Additionally, Netflix’s NFL audience trails this season’s Thanksgiving games, which averaged over 33 million viewers across CBS, Fox, and NBC, and the season opener, which drew 29.2 million viewers.
These numbers emphasize the dominance of legacy broadcasters, which benefit from decades of NFL coverage, broad distribution, and a loyal, older demographic. However, Netflix’s ability to deliver such high viewership numbers as a first-time NFL partner strongly indicates its potential to compete in this space.
Streaming Rivals Fall Behind
Netflix’s NFL debut not only disrupted traditional broadcasting but also set a new benchmark for streaming-exclusive NFL games. Peacock’s previous record of 23 million viewers for a wild card playoff game earlier this year was surpassed by Netflix’s 24.2 million average. Similarly, Amazon’s Thursday Night Football games, which averaged 13.34 million viewers this season, now lag significantly behind Netflix’s Christmas Day performance.
This success positions Netflix as a formidable competitor among streamers in the live sports arena. Its strategy of integrating live sports with broader entertainment offerings provides an edge in engaging diverse audience segments.
One of Netflix’s key advantages lies in its global platform. At the peak of the Chiefs-Steelers game, one-third of Netflix’s global subscribers were reportedly watching. Viewers from over 200 countries tuned in, highlighting Netflix’s ability to bring American football to international markets. This global reach presents a direct challenge to legacy broadcasters, which are largely region-specific and lack the same international scale.
Opportunities and Challenges for Netflix
Netflix’s live sports integration into its broader content strategy is a game-changer. Promotional breaks during the NFL games highlighted its upcoming releases, effectively merging live sports with its entertainment ecosystem. However, sustaining this momentum will require Netflix to address the challenges of scaling its live sports infrastructure while continuing to attract both traditional sports fans and new viewers.
As Netflix prepares for upcoming live sports events like WWE Monday Night Raw in January and FIFA Women’s World Cup broadcasts in 2027 and 2031, its ability to refine its strategy and maintain high-quality streams will be critical. By combining its global reach, diverse entertainment offerings, and live sports capabilities, Netflix is poised to redefine how sports are consumed in a rapidly evolving market.
Netflix’s NFL debut showcased its potential to disrupt traditional broadcasters and lead in the live sports streaming space. Although it fell short of legacy broadcasters in total viewership, it outperformed streaming rivals and expanded the NFL’s global audience. With its growing ambitions in live sports and a proven ability to attract large-scale audiences, Netflix has taken a significant step forward. The challenge now lies in sustaining its success and solidifying its role as a major player in this competitive industry.
