NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could be the Grinch who stole Christmas with reports that fans who want to watch the league’s two holiday games will be forced to pay for a streaming service.
In recent years, the league has featured a slate of games on Christmas Day. The scheduling hurdle of this year’s yet-to-be-announced contests getting played on a Wednesday is secondary to the money the nationally televised games could bring in.
That jackpot could become even bigger for the greedy NFL with reports that the games will be shown on Netflix, a move that will surely infuriate fans who were outraged over the league’s decision to put one of last season’s primetime playoff games on Peacock.
“And now it looks like Netflix will wind up carrying the two NFL games scheduled for December 25, per a bevy of sources. Yes, yes, yes, this could all fall apart and all the usual caveats—nothing has been signed yet, and the two sides still have to clear some hurdles before any deal is announced. But Netflix’s emergence as a bidder—and likely winner—is one of the main reasons behind the schedule delay, “John Ourand of Puck News reported, dishing the big scoop.
“Do not be surprised if the NFL and Netflix get in bed for a nice little Christmas Day football games,” former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason said earlier this week on his WFAN radio show.
X users sounded off about the NFL’s latest money grab at the expense of the league’s fans.
That’s really sad for all the NFL fans who love Xmas day football but don’t have Netflix. And yes, there are people who don’t have access or money to sign up for the subscription service
— Sam Barrow (@SammyBarrow32) May 10, 2024
At what point does the incremental gain in dollars adversely affect the nfl brand. Now you need 3 separate pay walls outside of cable to watch games. Even the most devoted nfl fan has a limit (I hope)
— Junker (@Jeremy_Junker) May 10, 2024
how many streaming platforms are we gonna need just for sporting events? this is crazy and i have netflix but didn’t bother getting peacock i’d just rather watch the youtube highlights for free if i miss a game and it’s that important
— AJ (@ajdavis22800) May 10, 2024
The NFL and football in general has peaked in this country. Greed has brought it down. Greed will also kill college football.
— sinister100000 (@sinister107) May 10, 2024
Pure greed to rob folks of the joy of watching NFL football on Christmas without needing a subscription https://t.co/9UJEd9FV2F pic.twitter.com/RvjIvyLFd1
— El Duderino (@RageATL26) May 10, 2024
How long before every game is pay per view?♂️
— Chaz (@Charlie81551131) May 10, 2024
“Netflix has a lot more questions than answers right now about its Christmas plan, from who will produce the games to how much it will pay. For comparison’s sake, Amazon paid $100 million for the exclusive rights to that unwatchable Jets-Dolphins Black Friday rain-out contest. Would Netflix pay double for a package of two games, and the chance to own Christmas Day? More?”Ourand wrote.
If the rumored deal ends up becoming reality, it will be another sign that the league is moving into the future of streaming with Netflix joining Peacock and Amazon Prime as platforms for the NFL’s product.
The Christmas Day matchups have yet to be announced with the NFL being tight-lipped about the 2024-2025 schedule which is expected to be released next week.
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