Netflix Intensifies Push into Live Sports Broadcasting

Netflix has made a significant commitment to broadcast live sports, investing nearly £4 billion ($5 billion) in WWE and also securing high-profile boxing events. Following Paramount’s recent acquisition of Champions League rights in the United Kingdom for a reported £1 billion ($1.3 billion), Netflix is expected to compete with Sky and TNT for domestic Premier League contracts, as noted by The Times.

The streaming platform also aims to challenge NBC for the American rights to the English top-flight. Current domestic broadcasting deals are set to expire in 2029, although the NBC contract concludes a year earlier and is valued at $2 billion (£1.5 billion), marking the Premier League’s largest overseas agreement. Bids for the upcoming broadcasting packages are anticipated within the next year.

A source informed The Times, “The crucial takeaway for football—both at the European and domestic level—is that Netflix has demonstrated a genuine interest in acquiring rights. With Paramount entering the fray, this signals positive prospects for football, as increased competition for broadcasting rights is beneficial. The Premier League is regarded as the most attractive domestic league globally, making its rights a prime target for both Netflix and Paramount.”

Last month, UEFA seemed to welcome the involvement of Netflix and Disney in the broadcasting market. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the organization’s commitment to innovation in media rights during the European Football Clubs General Assembly in October. He stated, “Through this joint venture, the game will grow. With [marketing agency] Relevent by our side, we have the strongest team to make it happen. Together, we are crafting something unique and ambitious, aimed at delivering the most engaging and accessible football experience. Our objective is to expand core revenue streams, inspire new fans to follow our competitions, and cultivate engagement with new audiences, especially within the dynamic media and streaming rights environment. By leveraging digital platforms, we will bring the game closer to everyone, thereby strengthening our clubs and maintaining the prominence of European football.”

Netflix has previously enjoyed success in live sporting broadcasts, having attracted 65 million viewers for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match in 2024. While the streaming service has secured rights to the Women’s World Cup in the United States for 2027 and 2031, it remains to be seen whether it will acquire rights for men’s football.