Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Netflix Leans Into Sports Docs As Live Sports Put on Backburner

  • Netflix reported $7.85 billion in fourth-quarter revenue.
  • The streaming service added 7.66 million subscribers during the quarter.
Netflix
Shutterstock

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Netflix reported $7.85 billion in fourth-quarter revenue and added over 3 million more subscribers than expected.

The streaming service added 7.66 million subscribers during the quarter — significantly higher than the 4.57 million expected, according to StreetAccount estimates. Netflix also launched a lower-priced, ad-supported plan in November.

Netflix’s new sports and fitness content could be a draw for new customers going forward.

  • Earlier this month, Netflix released the first five episodes of its new “Break Point” series chronicling professional tennis’ 2022 season.
  • Netflix is also working on a golf series with the PGA Tour and a documentary series on the Tour de France.
  • In May 2022, it renewed “Drive to Survive” with Formula 1 for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
  • The platform teamed up with Nike Fitness Club to add fitness classes to its library last month. Netflix will release a total of 90 workouts.

Netflix ended 2022 with 231 million paid memberships and $32 billion in revenue. It expects 4% revenue growth for the first quarter.

Not Ready To Go Live

While Netflix’s sports content is growing, the company still hasn’t made its way to live sports.

“We’ve not seen a profit path to renting big sports,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said last month, adding that Netflix isn’t “anti-sports,” just “pro-profit.”

Netflix also announced Thursday that founder Reed Hastings is stepping down as co-CEO and will now serve as executive chairman.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Aug 23, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Jon Rahm tees off on hole 18 during the final round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.

Jon Rahm Will Not Participate in LIV 2.0

Rahm was LIV’s biggest star besides Bryson DeChambeau.
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/13/26 – Quinn On Hot Seat, Dream’s Arena Crunch, FOS “Tuned In” Preview

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.

Pablo Torre: More Coming on Clippers, Life Surge … and LeBron?

LeBron’s relationship with Fanatics allows him to use its helicopter.
Taylor Rooks
October 13, 2026

Taylor Rooks Defends Friendships With Athletes She Covers

“I actually think it sometimes might make it a little bit easier.”
October 13, 2026

ESPN Exec Mike Foss: Pat McAfee ‘Might Be a Journalist At Heart’

Foss said he had “absolutely nothing” to say to McAfee’s critics.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Josh Pate Front Office Sports
October 13, 2026

How a Lunch in Atlanta Led to Josh Pate’s ESPN College Football Show

Pate told ESPN that legacy media was underserving college football fans.
October 13, 2026

Tirico Defends Michael Jordan Interview: ‘Completely Worth It’

Tirico says Jordan is “above the daily discourse” of the NBA.
Don Garber Front Office Sports
Exclusive
October 13, 2026

Post–World Cup Soccer Audiences Surge Among Young Viewers

Domestic and European leagues have seen post-tournament audience bumps.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; NBC broadcast analyst Mike Tomlin before the game between Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Opinion
October 12, 2026

The Tomlin Effect? NFL Analysts More Blunt Than Ever

Rex Ryan is the latest ex-coach to break from the fraternity.