Netflix makes its live sports debut Tuesday night in Las Vegas, and reports continue to indicate that this won’t be the streamer’s only effort in the space.
As the NBA prepares to seal its next set of media rights deals, Netflix has expressed some interest in acquiring rights to the league’s in-season tournament, according to Sports Business Journal.
One idea being discussed would be a docuseries based on the tournament similar to Formula 1’s “Drive to Survive,” if Netflix could buy the live game rights.
The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament is already providing a viewership boost for some of the league’s media partners. ESPN saw one game up 73% compared to a similar broadcast window last year. Tournament games are also airing on TNT, local channels, and NBA League Pass, a practice that will continue next season.
When the NBA’s new media deals arrive in 2025, the tournament will likely be carved out and sold as its own media rights package.
The NBA news is just the latest sports rumor tied to Netflix. The streaming company is also reportedly interested in broadcasting a boxing event involving Jake Paul, as well as matches from Premier Boxing Champions.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has admitted the company is “in the sports business,” but stresses it will do things its own way.
For now, that appears to be one-off events with athletes or leagues with which it already has a relationship. Tuesday night’s Netflix Cup features many athletes from “Drive to Survive” and the PGA Tour’s “Full Swing” series, while Paul also has a documentary on Netflix.
