Netflix made a splash this Christmas with its first-ever live NFL game broadcast, attracting viewers not only from the United States but also from over 200 countries worldwide. The telecast featured two exciting matchups – the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Pittsburgh Steelers followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans. The highlight of the event was a special halftime performance by Houston-born superstar Beyoncé, who wowed audiences with a short set of songs from her “Cowboy Carter” album. The viewership peaked at 27 million during her performance, showcasing the global appeal of both the NFL and Beyoncé.
According to Nielsen measurements, the Ravens-Texans game averaged 24.3 million viewers, while the Chiefs-Steelers game brought in 24.1 million viewers. These numbers are on par with major broadcast networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN for highly anticipated football games. Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the NFL and the stellar performances by Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, who kicked off the event with a rendition of her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas.”
The streaming giant saw one-third of its global subscribers tuning in to the Christmas Day games, with additional trailers and promotions for upcoming shows and movies adding to the excitement. Hans Schroeder, NFL’s Executive Vice President of Media Distribution, lauded the successful collaboration, noting the historic day for the NFL with fans worldwide enjoying the games and entertainment.
While the NBA also saw a surge in viewership on Christmas Day, the NFL’s presence on the holiday has been growing steadily. As part of a multi-year deal between Netflix and the NFL, the streaming service will continue to broadcast Christmas Day games, providing a new platform for football fans to enjoy the action. The partnership reflects Netflix’s foray into live sports and events, catering to a global audience and showcasing high-quality content.
Overall, the NFL’s presence on Netflix this Christmas marked a significant milestone for both the league and the streaming service. With the success of the live broadcast and the star-studded performances, the event demonstrated the potential for future collaborations between sports and streaming platforms. As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, partnerships like this one pave the way for innovative and engaging content for audiences worldwide.
