Saturday, June 13, 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

Trump Administration Signs Off on Paramount-WBD Merger

The DOJ blessed the highly controversial pact Friday. 

Mickelson’s Future In Golf Even Murkier After Latest Incident

The golfer has been kicked out of a California country club.
Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell arrives during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore.

NFL Defends TV Deals As Goodell Declines to Testify Before Congress

The league continues to tout its commitment to broadcast television.

Featured Today

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.
May 23, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Fans participate in a tarp off during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium
May 28, 2026

‘Tarps Off’: How Shirtless Fans Took Over MLB

The viral movement began with the SFA club baseball team.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) scores on a rebound against San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the fourth quarter during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Epic Knicks Game 4 Comeback Drew 20.9 Million ABC Viewers

The instant classic extends a heady viewership run for ABC . 
Jun 7, 2026; Paris, France; Alexander Zverev of Germany kisses the trophy after winning the men’s singles final against Flavio Cobolli of Italy on day 15 at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
June 12, 2026

French Open Finals Ratings Fall Without Star Power

The men’s final dropped 25% from 2025.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Atlanta, GA - March 7, 2026 - Turner Studios: Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley during the 2026 NBA marketing campaign featuring Inside the NBA on ESPN.
June 12, 2026

Burke Magnus: ‘Inside the NBA’ Was ESPN’s ‘Missing Piece’

ESPN has been thrilled with the studio show’s NBA Finals debut.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden
June 11, 2026

Leagues and Networks Are Going All In on America250

Celebrations include jersey patches, special uniforms, and dedicated programming.
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
June 10, 2026

NBA Finals Game 3 Draws 23.8M Viewers, Most Since 2017

Game 3 marked the most-watched TV program since the Super Bowl.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) speaks at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security" on the day U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 4, 2026.
June 10, 2026

Lawmakers Pressure NFL Over Cost of Games at House Hearing

Lawmakers again examine the league’s impacts upon consumers.