Netflix is close to inserting itself into the NFL schedule again.
The streaming platform is close to a deal with the league that will likely include the Week 1 game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams, a Thanksgiving Eve game and Christmas games, Puck News’ John Ourand reported Thursday.
The Australia game will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will mark the first NFL game in the country. NBC is expected to manage production of the matchup, per The Athletic.
Another first for Netflix — and the league — will be the Thanksgiving Eve game.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs speak with a Netflix reporter after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Getty Images The NFL was “exploring” the idea in March, which opened the door to more inventory the league could sell to one of its broadcast partners.
For the Thanksgiving Eve contest, the NFL will likely be looking for at least $100 million for the standalone primetime window as the league’s massive viewership increases each year. Amazon reportedly pays the league $100 million for the Black Friday afternoon game.
Over the last two seasons, Netflix has reportedly paid $150 million per year to broadcast two Christmas Day games. That is set to continue through December as a three-year deal enters its final season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff #16 takes a turkey leg at the conclusion of an NFL Thanksgiving Day football game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, November 28, 2024. NurPhoto via Getty Images For scheduling, the teams in the Wednesday night slot will likely play the previous Saturday instead of Sunday.
It’s not the first time the league has dipped its toes into Wednesday night football. Netflix’s first NFL broadcasts on Christmas Day took place on a Wednesday in 2024.
