The clash of titans on Netflix’s live NFL games on Christmas Day drew in a massive audience, setting new records in the history of streaming sports. The Nielsen ratings crowned the games between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, as “the most-streamed NFL games in US history.” The numbers speak volumes – 24.1 million AMA for Chiefs vs. Steelers and 24.3 million AMA for Texans vs. Ravens – culminating in a total of nearly 65 million viewers.
- Netflix Takes the Lead:
- While Netflix’s servers buckled under the pressure of over 60 million households streaming the Tyson vs. Paul boxing match last month, they stood strong during the NFL games.
- Viewers were treated to star-studded performances by Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, adding a touch of glamour to the sporting event.
- NBA Holds its Ground:
- Traditionally dominating Christmas Day with basketball games, the NBA faced stiff competition from Netflix’s NFL broadcasts.
- Despite this, the NBA games boasted a viewership of 5.25 million per game in the U.S., marking the most-watched Christmas Day in five years.
- Notably, the viewership increased by a staggering 84 percent compared to the previous year, signaling a growing interest in the NBA’s holiday games.
The NFL further cemented its popularity as a live sports streaming giant, revealing early data indicating that the game between the Chiefs and Steelers had already become the second most-watched title on Netflix. An impressive one-third of Netflix’s viewers at the time were engrossed in the gridiron showdown.
In conclusion, the success of Netflix’s live NFL games and the NBA’s Christmas Day line-up underscore the growing trend of streaming sports events. With record-breaking viewership and strong performances, it’s evident that sports fans have embraced the digital era of sports entertainment. As we move forward, the intersection of traditional sports broadcasting and digital streaming platforms is sure to redefine the landscape of sports viewership.
