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Netflix is on the verge of expanding its involvement with the NFL’s broadcasting lineup once more.
According to a report by John Ourand from Puck News on Thursday, the streaming giant is nearing an agreement with the NFL that is likely to feature the Week 1 showdown between the 49ers and Rams in Australia, a game set for the night before Thanksgiving, and several Christmas matchups.
The historic game in Australia is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the NFL’s debut in the country. NBC is anticipated to handle the production responsibilities for this event, as stated by The Athletic.
In another groundbreaking move for both Netflix and the NFL, a game on Thanksgiving Eve is set to be part of the deal.
The NFL began considering this idea back in March, which has created an opportunity for the league to offer additional content to its broadcasting partners.
For the Thanksgiving Eve contest, the NFL will likely be looking for at least $100 million for the standalone primetime window as the league’s massive viewership increases each year. Amazon reportedly pays the league $100 million for the Black Friday afternoon game.
Over the last two seasons, Netflix has reportedly paid $150 million per year to broadcast two Christmas Day games. That is set to continue through December as a three-year deal enters its final season.
For scheduling, the teams in the Wednesday night slot will likely play the previous Saturday instead of Sunday.
It’s not the first time the league has dipped its toes into Wednesday night football. Netflix’s first NFL broadcasts on Christmas Day took place on a Wednesday in 2024.