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Netflix Sets Streaming Record with Christmas Day NFL Games

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Netflix made history on Christmas Day, setting a new record for the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, according to Nielsen. Nearly 65 million viewers tuned in to watch two highly anticipated matchups streamed exclusively on the platform.

The Baltimore Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans drew an average of 24.3 million viewers, while the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers attracted 24.1 million viewers. The Ravens-Texans game peaked during Beyoncé’s halftime performance, which brought in over 27 million viewers.

“Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. She credited the partnership with the NFL, the “wonderful on-air talent,” and the iconic performances by Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the milestone.

These games marked the beginning of a three-year partnership between Netflix and the NFL to exclusively stream Christmas Day matchups.

The NFL wasn’t the only sports league celebrating on Christmas. The NBA also achieved notable viewership records. Its five-game Christmas Day lineup averaged 5.25 million viewers per game, the highest in five years, according to Nielsen.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Golden State Warriors drew 7.76 million viewers, peaking at 8.32 million, making it the most-watched NBA regular-season game in five years. The New York Knicks’ win against the San Antonio Spurs, which opened the day, averaged 4.91 million viewers, marking the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years.

Overall, NBA viewership on Christmas was up 84% compared to 2023, with games broadcast across Disney’s platforms, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+, and ESPN+.

 

Netflix Collaborates with CBS Sports for Christmas Day NFL Games

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Netflix has partnered with CBS Sports, owned by Paramount Global, to produce and air two National Football League (NFL) games on Christmas Day this year. CBS will retain broadcast rights for over-the-air television in the cities of the competing teams, while NFL+, the league’s live streaming service, will stream the games on mobile devices across the United States. This collaboration marks Netflix’s first venture into licensing live sports, particularly with the NFL, one of the world’s most popular sports leagues.

In May, Netflix announced plans to stream at least one NFL game on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026, as part of an exclusive three-season agreement with the league. This initiative is a significant move for Netflix, as it not only highlights the streaming giant’s expansion into live sports but also strengthens its content portfolio. The NFL continues to be the most-watched sports league in the U.S., with this year’s Super Bowl drawing a record 123.7 million viewers. By securing the rights to stream NFL games, Netflix is positioning itself as a key player in the competitive sports streaming market, potentially attracting a broader audience to its platform.