Netflix bets big on live sports with MLB and NFL expansion in 2026

Neueste Nachrichten

Netflix bets big on live sports with MLB and NFL expansion in 2026

A football game in a stadium with players on the field and spectators in the background, including a camera operator indicating a live broadcast.
Jeffrey Morgan
Jeffrey Morgan
2 Min.

Netflix bets big on live sports with MLB and NFL expansion in 2026

Netflix is expanding its push into live sports, with plans to stream Major League Baseball events in 2026. The company has already secured rights to the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game. Meanwhile, its NFL ambitions are growing, despite mixed reactions from viewers to its recent sports broadcasts.

Netflix's sports strategy has taken shape over the past year. In March 2026, it streamed the MLB season opener, though fans complained about the on-screen scorebug being hard to read. The platform has also committed $75 million for a three-year deal to broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day, though no specific matchups have been announced yet.

The NFL, however, is reassessing its own media deals. After the NBA secured a $77 billion contract, reports suggest the league may renegotiate its agreements. The NFL has already taken back rights to four games and could sell a fifth international contest. Potential buyers for these stand-alone games include Amazon and Google's YouTube. Netflix is now in talks to double its NFL package. The company wants to add the league's new Thanksgiving Eve game and an international matchup. So far, under its current deal, Netflix has yet to stream any NFL games as of March 2026. Beyond football, the platform has also aired Jake Paul's boxing matches and WWE events, signalling a broader shift into live sports.

Netflix's move into sports continues, with MLB and NFL deals set to bring more live events to subscribers. The company's growing investment reflects a wider trend of streaming platforms competing for sports rights. Yet, as recent broadcasts show, fan reception will play a key role in determining its long-term success.