The Christmas Day NFL games broadcasted on Netflix achieved unprecedented viewership milestones. Two thrilling matches, Chiefs vs Steelers and Ravens vs Texans, captivated a combined global audience of over 60 million unique viewers in the United States alone. The events dominated both national and international rankings, showcasing the growing global interest in American football. These games not only broke records for Netflix but also highlighted the platform's expanding influence in sports broadcasting.
Unprecedented Domestic and International Engagement
The NFL games on December 25th attracted an impressive number of viewers from across the globe. In the United States, these matches set new standards with nearly 65 million unduplicated viewers tuning in. The two games averaged 26.5 million US viewers, marking it as Netflix’s most-watched Christmas Day ever in the country. This significant achievement underscores the increasing popularity of NFL content on streaming platforms.
The success of these broadcasts can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the strategic partnership between Netflix and the NFL allowed for wider accessibility to audiences who might not typically watch live sports. Secondly, the quality of production by CBS Sports and NFL Media contributed to engaging viewing experiences. The Chiefs-Steelers game garnered 30 million global average minute audience (AMA), while the Ravens-Texans match drew 31.3 million AMA. Both games ranked highly on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for the week, reflecting their broad appeal. The inclusion of various viewing methods such as out-of-home, mobile, and web platforms further enhanced the reach and engagement metrics.
Global Reach and Market Penetration
Beyond the United States, the NFL games on Netflix demonstrated remarkable international appeal. Viewers from 218 countries and territories tuned into at least one of the games, indicating a substantial global footprint. The Chiefs-Steelers game made its way into the daily Top 10 in 72 countries, achieving high viewership in regions like Canada, Germany, Ireland, and the UK. Meanwhile, the Ravens-Texans match was featured in the daily Top 10 in 62 countries, particularly resonating with audiences in Australia, Austria, and Mexico.
This extensive reach highlights the potential for NFL content to attract diverse international fan bases. The first of a three-season agreement between Netflix and the NFL signals a promising future for global sports broadcasting collaborations. The data, derived from Nielsen and Netflix’s internal metrics, provides valuable insights into viewer preferences and behaviors across different markets. As streaming platforms continue to evolve, partnerships like this will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of live sports entertainment.