Netflix (Probably) Won’t Bid on NFL’s Proposed 2022 Streamed Game

Even the most staunch cord cutter will admit that live sports is the one thing they’d appreciate better streaming access to. But so far, none of the major players has been able to crack into the NFL, NBA or MLB. Recently reports noted that the NFL’s post 2022 television deal might include a “streaming only” game.  While much will change between today and 7 years from now– Netflix, at least probably won’t be bidding on the game.

Here’s what Netfix’ head of acquisitions, Ted Sarandos had to say on the matter:

I will never say never, but I would say that where we sit today, I don’t think the on-demand to sports is enough of an addition to the value proposition to chase. I think the leagues have tremendous leverage in those deals, so it’s not like we’re going to get in and de-leverage the leagues. We’re going to go in and overpay like everyone else does, so it doesn’t get me that excited. Not to say that it wouldn’t someday, down the road, make sense. Today, I think there’s lots of growth in what we’re doing.

Who knows if this guy will even be employed by Netflix in 2022. Anything could happen in the television industry, to the NFL or otherwise in that amount of time. But it is interesting to note that live sports streaming isn’t on Netflix’ mind, at least for the forseeable future.

Would you be willing to pay a little bit more for Netflix if it had a few NFL games?