Netflix is making a play for the NFL opener and wants to stream the event

Summary

• Netflix could be looking to secure the rights for the NFL opener, but this remains purely speculative
• Netflix has been streaming high-impact events and is planning on more, but more frequent regular-season games could help with the platform’s sports ambitions
• The streaming giant is far from securing major streaming rights for regular events, which have long been the preserve of established cable networks

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While speculation was still circulating about a potential bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Netflix was already posting a social media teaser about the upcoming fight - apparently locked in for the autumn.

Netflix is eyeing its next sports opportunity, with the NFL opener a possibility

Netflix, though, is far more ambitious in the breadth of its sports designs, with the streaming giant seeking to become a fixture among sports fans, streaming limited NFL games, WWE, and exhibition boxing fights, which have been some of the most viewed events in the world. Now, Netflix is possibly making a play for putting its name as a go-to option on the sports calendar by providing high-impact broadcasts of key events rather than coming up with the next big thing and streaming it to fans. Based on reports by Bloomberg, Netflix is trying to get the rights to the NFL season opener, going up against the current rights holder, NBC. Such a play is possible as the NFL is looking to boost the value it receives from broadcasting-slash-streaming rights, and asking for more money from NBC could force the network’s hand into a compromise where Netflix secures the opener.

Frequent events are something that Netflix wants to add to its sports schedule

The issue remains that Netflix has to still actively look for those high-impact events rather than rely on frequent broadcast of established events, such as the regular NHL and NFL seasons, for example. The good news is that Netflix has deep pockets and the motivation to splurge on securing those rights, but a pushback from established cable giants, let alone innovators such as DAZN, will pose a challenge to those ambitions.