Netflix Expands into Live Sports Broadcasting

Netflix is intensifying its focus on live sports, having invested nearly £4 billion ($5 billion) in WWE and also streaming notable boxing matches. In light of Paramount’s recent acquisition of Champions League rights in the UK for an estimated £1 billion ($1.3 billion), Netflix is poised to compete with Sky and TNT for domestic Premier League contracts, as reported by The Times.

The streaming giant is also expected to challenge NBC for the rights to the English Premier League in the United States. Current domestic contracts are set to expire in 2029, while NBC’s deal concludes a year earlier. This lucrative contract, valued at $2 billion (£1.5 billion), represents the Premier League’s largest overseas agreement. Bids for upcoming packages are anticipated within the next year.

According to a source for The Times, “The crucial aspect for football, both across Europe and in domestic leagues, is that Netflix has demonstrated its interest in acquiring rights. Coupled with Paramount’s entrance into the market, this development bodes well for football, as increased competition for rights is beneficial. The Premier League is the most appealing domestic league worldwide, making it a likely target for both Netflix and Paramount.”

Last month, UEFA expressed a welcoming stance towards the involvement of platforms like Netflix and Disney in the broadcasting arena. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the organization’s commitment to innovation in media rights during the European Football Clubs General Assembly. He stated, “This joint venture will foster the growth of the game. With [marketing agency] Relevent alongside us, we possess the strongest team to realize this vision. Together, we aim to create something unique, ambitious, and engaging, making football more accessible. Our goal is to expand core revenue streams, attract new fans, and engage diverse audiences, particularly in the evolving media landscape. By leveraging digital platforms, we will bring the game closer to everyone, thereby strengthening our clubs and ensuring European football remains at the pinnacle.”

Netflix has previously experienced success in streaming live sports, notably attracting 65 million viewers for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match in 2024. The platform holds rights for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 in the United States, but whether it will secure rights for men’s football remains uncertain.