Netflix reveals staggering initial numbers from Chiefs vs. Steelers Christmas stream
The first Christmas Day NFL game streamed on Netflix is already reporting big numbers. According to sports business reporter Joe Pompliano, more than 200 countries tuned in to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers player the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday afternoon.
Additionally, Pompliano reported that one-third of the streaming platform’s total subscribers were watching the game. It is reported that Netflix has roughly 282 million subscribers worldwide, which would put the total numbers of viewers around 94 million.
The Chiefs (15-1) rolled to a 29-10 win to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, all of which went to a different receiver.
The new Christmas Day tradition is part of a $150 million agreement between the NFL and Netflix. The two sides also have an agreement that will allow the streaming service to broadcast games on Christmas in each of the next three years.
This year’s agreement guaranteed two games for Netlfix, as the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens followed the game between the Steelers and Chiefs. “At least” one game is guaranteed for 2025 and 2026.
Netflix has been making more of an effort to get into the sports streaming realm over the past year. It also streamed a boxing matchup between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in October as well as the Netflix Cup in golf and Netflix Slam in tennis.
The NFL has played games on Christmas Day in each of the past five seasons and that will continue at least through 2026. Netflix isn’t the only streaming service to get a piece of the pie either, as Amazon Prime is also slated to broadcast a game on Christmas next season.
Top 10
- 1New
Desean Jackson
Finalizing deal to be college HC
- 2
Jim Larranaga
Miami HC set to step down
- 3Hot
CFP selection process
Urban Meyer predicts changes
- 4
National Championship odds
Updated odds are in
- 5
LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina QB signs NIL deal to return
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
More than 28 million tuned in to watch the Christmas games in 2023 and based on the initial numbers Netflix is reporting, the interest is only growing.
Beyoncé trolls Netflix with buffering joke ahead of NFL Christmas Gameday performance
Beyoncé is set to perform during halftime of the Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans (9-6) and Baltimore Ravens (10-5). But one day before her highly anticipated performance, the “Crazy in Love” singer released a video on social media in which she trolled Netflix, the streaming service tasked with broadcasting its first NFL game.
Strumming a banjo as a crowd cheers on in the background, Beyoncé stops, takes her glasses off and stares at the screen before the dreaded buffering circle appears in the middle of the video. No, it’s not on your end, it’s part of Beyoncé’s video and a clear roast of Netflix.
To clearly understand the meaning, we’d have to go back to Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium — the site of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Netflix live-streamed the event, streamed concurrently by 65 million, but many were unable to enjoy the event without streaming glitches and buffering issues. Netflix received criticism, prompting the streaming platform to release a statement addressing the issues.
“We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members,” Netflix said, “and know we have room for improvement, but still consider this event a huge success.”
On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.