Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Netflix’s Live Sports Debut Is Here. Will It Deliver?

  • The Netflix Cup airs Tuesday night featuring PGA Tour and Formula 1 stars.
  • Netflix could be interested in broadcasting even more live sports.
Netflix

Netflix finally enters the live sports arena on Tuesday — a pivotal moment for the streaming giant, previously one of the more famous holdouts in the space. 

PGA Tour players Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, and Collin Morikawa will be paired with Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly to compete for the Netflix Cup, which begins at 6 p.m. ET live from Las Vegas’ Wynn Golf Club.

Netflix’s app says the event, which will comprise eight holes of match play, will run two-and-a-half hours. The most pressing challenge for Netflix in its live sports debut is making sure the stream goes off without a hitch — something it failed to do earlier this year when it attempted to broadcast a live reunion for one of its dating shows.

Beyond basic functionality, the quality of Netflix’s stream will be of interest as well as the production of the golf event itself.

If the event is a success, Netflix looks ready to dive in even deeper with live sports — the company is reportedly interested in streaming a boxing match involving Jake Paul.

Viewership numbers for the Netflix Cup likely won’t be released, but a similar celebrity golf special earlier this year, “The Match,” drew an average of 782,000 viewers across TNT and two other channels. In that event, Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce took on Golden State Warriors’ Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Netflix is reportedly charging potential advertisers $2 million for Tuesday night’s event.

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

May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) high fives New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.

Knicks Reach First NBA Finals Since 1999

The Knicks are looking for the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
May 25, 2026; Paris, France; Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at a change of ends with ice and an ice towel during her first round match against Anna Bondar of Hungary on day two at Stade Roland Garros.

French Open Heat Wave Expected to Continue for Rest of Week

Forecasts for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are heating up.

Sportradar Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Gambling Ties

The suit alleges investors were harmed by shady overseas business conduct.

Felix Rosenqvist Wins Wild Indy 500 After Record 70 Lead Changes

There were 14 different leaders at various points in the race.

Featured Today

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
May 14, 2026

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).
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 21, 2026

CBS, TNT Sports Parents Face New Merger Scrutiny by Lawmakers

A group of six U.S. senators raises concerns about the proposed megadeal.
May 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ronda Rousey (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Gina Carano (red gloves) after a women's featherweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 21, 2026

How Jake Paul’s MVP Plans to Build on Netflix MMA Debut

Saturday’s debut averaged 12.4 million viewers on Netflix.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 20, 2026

NHL Playoffs Deliver Record Second-Round Ratings for ESPN, TNT

The Canadiens-Sabres series brought additional audience milestones.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
May 20, 2026

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive
May 20, 2026

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
May 19, 2026

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.