Netflix 'Definitely' Eyeing Sunday NFL Package Deal

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Netflix plans to pursue a Sunday NFL package after its successful Christmas Day debut.
• Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria confirmed interest in securing Sunday afternoon games.
• NFL’s current Sunday afternoon deals with CBS and Fox run through 2033, with opt-out clauses after 2029.
• Netflix's Christmas Day NFL doubleheader set streaming records with over 24 million average viewers.
• Despite earlier comments on the challenges, Netflix now seems keen to explore major sports deals.

Netflix has changed course and now plans to pursue a Sunday NFL package after the success of its Christmas Day debut last season.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, confirmed the strategic shift during a recent episode of "The Town" podcast.

When asked about which package she would be interested in pursuing once NFL media rights become available, Bajaria said, "I definitely want the Sunday (afternoon) games."

The NFL's existing Sunday afternoon rights deals with CBS and Fox extend through the 2033 season. However, the NFL holds opt-out clauses in most of its agreements after the 2029 season, according to Front Office Sports.

Bajaria's public comments stand in sharp contrast to statements made last month by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos during fourth-quarter earnings calls with industry analysts.

Sarandos described the economics of pursuing a full-season, major sports schedule as "extremely challenging."

"If there was a path where we could actually make the economics work, for both us and the leagues, we would certainly explore (it)," Sarandos said. "But right now, we believe that the live events business is where we really want to be."

Netflix's Christmas doubleheader, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans, set NFL streaming records with average audiences surpassing 24 million viewers.