With a newly expanded NFL rights deal, Netflix has struck a critical distribution pact to help ensure maximum distribution of those games.
The streaming giant has reached a multiyear agreement with EverPass Media in which the technology platform will continue to distribute Netflix’s NFL games to commercial establishments, including bars and restaurants.
EverPass previously distributed Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day games, as well as live boxing matches shown on the service. The new term, however, covers all of Netflix’s sharply increased NFL rights package that includes a Week 1 game from Australia between the 49ers and Rams, the league’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game, two more games on Christmas, a critical Week 18 game with playoff implications, and the NFL Honors awards program.
This solidified commercial distribution is vital for Netflix, as it is for any major sports broadcaster, as full Nielsen measurement out-of-home viewership has arguably been the most impactful change to television audience metrics in recent memory. That particularly proved true during the recent FIFA men’s World Cup, and is slated to be a key factor during a 2026 NFL season with high expectations.
Parallel to this deal, DirecTV for Business will “market, sell, and distribute these NFL games” along with other sports content available through EverPass. DirecTV and EverPass, the commercial distributor for NFL Sunday Ticket, recently reached their own contract extension.
More Corporate Changes
EverPass, meanwhile, is in the midst of being acquired by London-based DAZN in a deal that will add to that company’s increasing U.S. profile. Closing is expected after receiving needed regulatory approvals.
As part of that deal, EverPass will ultimately rebrand itself to DAZN for Business.
Other major streaming players in sports media, such as Amazon, also have pacts in place with EverPass.
The NFL’s 32 Equity arm and RedBird Capital Partners originally formed EverPass in 2023.
Editors’ note: RedBird IMI, in which RedBird Capital Partners is a joint venture partner, is the primary investor in Front Office Sports.
