A Netflix Christmas Touchdown: The NFL’s Big Holiday Game Smashes Streaming Records
The holidays got a little more action-packed this year as Netflix added football to its list of binge-worthy content. The NFL’s highly anticipated Christmas Day game became the ultimate gift for sports fans and streamers alike, marking a historic moment as the league debuted on the streaming giant’s platform. Forget Santa’s sleigh—this game had more momentum than a running back breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown.
Christmas was a record-breaking day for Netflix and the NFL, with an unduplicated audience of nearly 65 million U.S. viewers, according to Nielsen. The doubleheader featured two thrilling matchups: the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, both of which became the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history.
The Ravens-Texans game averaged an audience of 24.3 million, while the Chiefs-Steelers matchup trailed closely with 24.1 million average minute audience. U.S. viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked at over 27 million viewers during the much-anticipated #BeyonceBowl, making it a standout moment in sports and entertainment history.
Streaming live from Netflix, the matchups delivered thrills to rival any holiday blockbuster. Fans tuned in with hot cocoa in hand and Christmas lights twinkling, proving that nothing says festive cheer like a full-contact sport. And boy, did Netflix and the NFL score big—the social media buzz was off the charts, with hashtags like #NFLOnNetflix and #ChristmasGame trending globally. #BeyonceBowl became the No. 1 worldwide trend, surpassing #Christmas itself, and Netflix occupied 10 of the top 12 trending topics on X (formerly Twitter) in the U.S.
Why the NFL’s Move to Netflix Was a Game-Changer
The NFL’s decision to team up with Netflix signaled a significant shift in how sports content is consumed. In an era where live sports continue to captivate audiences as a cornerstone of appointment viewing, bringing the action to Netflix’s global platform amplified the league’s reach like never before. Fans in all 50 states and over 200 countries tuned in, enjoying seamless streaming.
Netflix didn’t just stream the game; it went all in, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes content, pre-game hype, and in-depth player profiles to keep viewers engaged beyond the main event. The integration of live sports with the platform’s unique storytelling capabilities proved to be a winning play.
What This Means for Brands and Advertisers
For advertisers, the game offered an unparalleled opportunity to reach captive audiences during one of the most highly anticipated days of the year. Brands that secured ad slots were treated to an engaged and excited viewership ready to soak up their messages. As live-streaming partnerships like this grow, advertisers will need to stay agile, blending traditional TV strategies with cutting-edge digital campaigns.
Your Brand’s Big Moment Starts Here
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