Netflix’s first foray into live NFL coverage turned into a major triumph, as millions of viewers streamed two Christmas Day matchups without any of the anticipated hiccups. The streaming giant entered into a lucrative deal with the NFL to broadcast a pair of games on December 25, and by all accounts, both the league and Netflix walked away pleased with the outcome.
A Smooth Streaming Experience
One of the chief concerns heading into Netflix’s NFL debut was whether the platform could handle the level of demand typical of big-time football.
Just a month prior, Netflix’s broadcast of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight had been plagued by buffering problems, leaving many to wonder if the streamer was truly ready for a major sports event. However, for the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader—a Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs clash followed by a Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans showdown—those concerns never materialized.
Viewers reported a near-flawless experience, with pristine video quality and no serious service interruptions.
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Record-Breaking Viewership
On Thursday, Nielsen released the official viewing figures, and they were nothing short of historic. In total, Netflix’s Christmas doubleheader garnered an audience of nearly 65 million viewers within the United States alone, cementing these two games as the most-watched NFL matchups in U.S. streaming history.
- Ravens vs. Texans: An average of 24.3 million people tuned in, making it one of the highest-rated NFL streams ever.
- Chiefs vs. Steelers: Close behind, with an average of 24.1 million viewers.
- Beyoncé’s Halftime Performance: The star power continued, peaking at 27 million viewers during the pop icon’s show, providing a boost that helped drive the day’s overall streaming record.
For the NFL, these numbers underscore the league’s continued dominance in American sports broadcasting. While live televised football has historically drawn massive audiences, Netflix’s success on December 25 suggests that streaming platforms, when properly prepared, can handle similarly large crowds.
Outshining the NBA on Christmas
Though the NBA also saw strong results for its annual Christmas Day slate—garnering around 5.25 million viewers per game—those figures paled in comparison to the NFL’s holiday turnout on Netflix. The disparity highlights the league’s unmatched popularity, even amidst shifting viewing habits and the ever-evolving digital media landscape.
A Promising Partnership Moving Forward
Netflix’s deal with the NFL ensures it will remain the go-to streaming platform for holiday football over the next few seasons, and the early returns have validated this partnership. With Roger Goodell and league officials keen on expanding their digital presence, the stellar numbers from Christmas Day confirm that the NFL can successfully engage massive audiences on non-traditional platforms.
Meanwhile, Netflix has effectively demonstrated its ability to manage the infrastructure required for live sporting events on a grand scale—something fans had questioned after the problematic Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight stream. By delivering back-to-back games without technical hitches, Netflix has strengthened its case as a viable broadcaster for sports, potentially opening doors for further partnerships across various leagues.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL looks for new ways to reach fans in a media environment increasingly driven by streaming, the success of this Christmas doubleheader bodes well for the future. Whether it’s a marquee Sunday Night Football matchup or holiday contests, Netflix’s proven track record could prompt the league to consider expanding live streaming options for more events.
For now, the focus remains on the postseason and beyond. But come next December, millions of viewers will once again be looking to Netflix for their Christmas Day football fix—an event that might just eclipse the impressive heights reached in 2023.
Both the NFL and Netflix appear eager to build on this record-setting debut, signaling that holiday football could continue to thrive in the streaming era.
