Report: Netflix to pay $50 million in deal to secure Jerry Jones, Cowboys docu-series

An upcoming docu-series on Jerry Jones and the peak of the Dallas Cowboys franchise reportedly has a home. According to Puck reporter Matthew Belloni, the project has been purchased by streaming giant Netflix for “just under” $50 million.

Belloni also reported that the deal is not yet signed, but Netflix has emerged victorious from a bidding war with other potential hosts, including ESPN and Amazon. Although Netflix hasn’t made the jump into live sports, it has recently had major success with Full Swing, Drive to Survive and other sports-centered shows.

Last month, Netflix dropped its trailer for Quarterback. It is a docuseries that takes a look at three of the big-name signal callers in the NFL — Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota.

Netflix to host Jones docu-series

The docu-series will chronicle Jones’ roots and rise to the top of the sports world by buying the Dallas Cowboys and leading them to three Super Bowl championships.

Jones grew up in Arkansas as the son of a community store owner. He played football at the University of Arkansas and then went on to be wildly successful in business and in the NFL.

Since purchasing the team, the Cowboys’ value has ballooned to $8 billion, ranking No. 1 in the league.

According to the Cowboys’ news release on the project, the docu-series does not yet have a title. However, it will spotlight the “stars and partners” in Jerry Jones’ journey, including Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Head Coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Rupert Murdoch, and Phil Knight.

“The story of Jones and the Cowboys is uniquely American; one about the risks, the successes and failures, and the passionate pursuit to be involved in America’s Sport with America’s Team, all while advancing the game with a wildcatting mentality to grow the NFL and the Cowboys in spectacular fashion,” the release reads.

“When Jones risked everything to purchase the club in 1989, the team was coming off a 13-loss season and was losing in excess of $1 million a month. Less than a decade later, the Cowboys won three NFL titles and captivated fans around the world with their signature mix of bravado, talent and leadership. In similar fashion, Jones and the Cowboys were at the core of re-inventing the way the NFL’s business equation was constructed, blazing a new vision for marketing, branding, broadcasting and team venues across all of sports.”

NFL Films partners with Skydance Media

The production of the Jones and Dallas Cowboys docu-series is going to be the first project between Skydance Media and the NFL.

On behalf of the team and her father, Charlotte Jones, the Cowboys’ Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, provided a statement about the new partnership.

“It’s a true honor to be the first to partner with Skydance Sports and NFL Films on this very special and deeply personal project,” Jones wrote. “Sharing my father’s journey and his passion for the game, while presenting it in partnership with this talented and accomplished group will take sports fans, fans of business, families, and everyone watching on an adventure like none other.”