NFL Has Discussed Collaborations with Netflix

The NFL has had discussions with the world leader in streaming: Netflix.

Intrigued by the popularity of hit sports docuseries such as the Formula 1-focused “Drive to Survive,” the league has reportedly engaged Netflix regarding its NFL Media properties.

While Netflix has eschewed live sports, it could work with the league on reality shows, documentaries, and other programming.

• Netflix had 221.8 million subscribers at the end of 2021.
• “Drive to Survive” is credited with boosting F1’s popularity. The series saw average Grand Prix viewership rise 13% year-over-year to reach 70.3 million in 2021. Its social media platform followers grew 40% to 49.1 million.

Last year, the NFL enlisted Goldman Sachs to find partners for its media properties, including the NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NFL.com. It is also auctioning rights to its out-of-market package NFL Sunday Ticket, which could reel in $2.5 billion per season.

Sports on Netflix

The popularity of the F1 series and ESPN co-produced “The Last Dance” docuseries on Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls have inspired other leagues to tap Netflix for in-depth docuseries.

Netflix and “Drive to Survive” producer Box to Box are working on a series on the men’s and women’s tennis Grand Slam tournaments and one on golf’s PGA Tour. 

It is also working with Box to Box and Quad Productions on a series following the Tour de France.