Ex-CBS broadcaster Boomer Esiason is teasing a potential partnership between the NFL and Netflix for new signature game broadcasts.
“Do not be surprised if the NFL and Netflix get in bed for a nice little Christmas Day football games,” Esiason said on his “Boomer and Gio” WFAN show with co-host Gregg Giannotti on Wednesday.
Esiason did mention to take this “little thing with a grain of salt” but believes he’ll be proven right.
The 63-year-old has some insight into how the NFL media world operates, working for “The NFL Today” before being let go recently alongside Phil Simms, 68.
The NFL has shown it will explore all avenues with its media rights, including a Peacock-exclusive playoff game with partner NBC last year.
Fans were outraged at the time, as many speculated that the NFL was nearing a pay-per-view model like that of the UFC and boxing, where it costs $5.99 per month to subscribe to Peacock.
In theory, Netflix would cost slightly more, with their limited ads package at $6.99 monthly and their standard package running at $15.49 per month.
The limited package does mention that some TV shows and movies would be taken off; it is unclear if the NFL would qualify for this stipulation in Netflix’s cheapest package.
Netflix is already in the sports market, with the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight this July streaming on the platform.
It also aired “The Netflix Cup” on Nov. 14, a crossover golf event featuring PGA Tour stars and Formula 1 drivers.
If Tyson-Paul is watchable for all Netflix users, it would potentially bode well for those who want to pay the least amount to watch Christmas Day football.
CBS decided to bring in recently retired players JJ Watt and Matt Ryan to replace Simms and Esiason, as the NFL continues to flirt with the new era of live sporting events on streaming platforms.
The NFL hosted three Christmas Day games this past season and has plans to do so again this year.