Netflix Eyes NFL’s Sunday Afternoon Games—Could It Shake Up CBS and Fox? – The Times of India

Netflix is making waves again, and this time, it’s setting its sights on the biggest prize in live sports—the NFL’s Sunday afternoon games. The streaming giant is reportedly interested in bidding for the rights to these highly coveted matchups, potentially taking over from longtime broadcasters CBS or Fox.

Netflix Eyes NFL’s Sunday Afternoon Games: Could CBS or Fox Lose Their NFL Rights?

Netflix isn’t looking for a tiny piece of the NFL pie—it’s going all in. Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria has made it clear that the company is seriously interested in grabbing the Sunday afternoon package, signaling a major shift in its sports strategy. While Netflix has dabbled in live sports before, this would be its biggest move yet, competing with legacy broadcasters for one of the most valuable slots in television.
For decades, CBS and Fox have dominated Sunday afternoons, with Fox securing the NFC package in 1994 and CBS taking over the AFC package in 1998. Under the current deals, both networks hold these rights until 2033—but here’s the catch: the NFL can opt out of the agreements four years early. If that happens, Netflix could swoop in much sooner than expected.

Why Does Netflix Want the NFL Now?

Netflix’s stock has been soaring, but with increasing competition in the streaming world, the company needs new ways to keep growing. The NFL is the gold standard when it comes to TV ratings, and landing a piece of Sunday football could drive subscriptions and ad revenue through the roof.
If Netflix secures the rights, we could see a massive shake-up in how fans watch football. One of the current broadcasters—Fox or CBS—would likely lose its place or get pushed to a less favorable time slot. It would also mark a seismic shift in sports media, as more leagues consider moving from traditional TV to streaming-first platforms.

A New Era for Netflix and Live Sports

This isn’t just about adding football to Netflix’s library—it’s a strategic shift. The company has been testing the waters with sports, including streaming NFL games on Christmas Day 2024. That experiment was a huge success, drawing in 24 million viewers across 218 countries. With those numbers in hand, Netflix now has the confidence to push deeper into the live sports space.
Netflix is playing big-league ball, and the NFL could be its biggest game yet. If the league does decide to end its current deals early, the battle for Sunday afternoon rights will be intense. Will Netflix change the way we watch football forever? Only time will tell.
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