Monday, May 18, 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

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nike Under Fire Amid Growing Wave of Tariff Refund Lawsuits

Adidas and Lululemon also face proposed class actions from consumers.
May 15, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot on the seventh tee during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau Misses Second Major Cut Amid LIV Turmoil

DeChambeau also missed the cut at this year’s Masters.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.
May 15, 2026

NFL Teams Mock ‘AI Slop’ After Cardinals Schedule Video

The Cardinals did not immediately answer questions from FOS.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Emiliano Grillo plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026

Can CBS Regain Its Golf Mojo After Masters Disaster?

All eyes will be on CBS following its issues in Augusta.
May 14, 2026

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
May 13, 2026

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.
May 13, 2026

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.