NFL Awards Netflix Five-Game 2026 Package

The NFL has awarded a five-game package for the 2026 season to Netflix, sidelining YouTube from additional live game rights beyond its existing Sunday Ticket agreement, according to recent reports. This shift affects games the league reclaimed from ESPN earlier this year as part of ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network and related assets.

The package stems from four games previously allocated to ESPN's abandoned Monday night doubleheaders. Instead of dividing them with YouTube as initially discussed, the NFL allocated the full slate to Netflix. Netflix will broadcast three of the games, including its established two Christmas Day matchups, while the remaining two will air on one of the major broadcast networks: CBS, NBC or Fox. Specific contests include the Week 1 regular-season game in Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, a confirmed Thanksgiving Eve matchup and a Saturday game on the final weekend of the regular season, leading into ESPN's customary doubleheader.

This development marks a reversal for YouTube, which had been in advanced talks for a similar five-game deal. Reports now indicate the platform is not pursuing the two leftover games from the...