Netflix's First-Ever Sports Event Likely to Stream This Fall: Here’s What to Expect!

A new report disclosed that Netflix's first-ever sports event is likely streaming life on the service this fall.

The giant streamer is reportedly sealing the deal, which would mark its first foray into the rodeo of sports.

Netflix's First-Ever Sports Event

According to Digital Trends, Netflix co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos seemingly shrugged off the idea of diving into live sports broadcasting. The big boss said in December 2022, "[We have] not seen a profit path to renting big sports."

However, he assures them that they are not anti-sports. But instead, Sarandos claims that Netflix is basically "pro-profit," noting that the giant streamer could "get twice as big without sports." In other words, the co-CEO believes that skipping the sports live-streaming trend could still earn them money.

But despite that, it is worth mentioning that the Netflix top brass previously dismissed the idea of slapping ads into a more affordable tier. Yet, the streaming giant pursued that path as it dealt with dwindling subscriber count. This time, as per The Wall Street Journal, the streamer is now in talks to dive into sports live streaming, starting with a celebrity golf tournament.

The golf tournament is expected to be a star-studded event. Aside from showcasing professional golfers, the event also puts the spotlight on Formula One race car drivers, sources of the news outlet say.

The tournament reportedly features the F1 drivers in the racing docuseries on Netflix entitled "Drive to Success" and another documentary about professional golfers called "Full Swing."

If the deal pans out, the tournament will air live on the giant streamer this fall. However, it is still in the early stages, so its details have yet to be finalized.

Netflix Livestream

Reuters notes that Netflix dipped its toes in live streaming by broadcasting the Chris Rock comedy special last March 4. It was the first-ever live event that streamed on the service.

According to The Verge, Netflix's second attempt at live streaming is janky. The live reunion of the "Love is Blind" cast faced multiple delays, eventually leading to the live stream's cancellation. Instead, the much-awaited get-together premiered as a taped show.

Netflix rivals, such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, have offered its subscribers various live sporting events. As early as 2017, Prime Video streamed the NFL Thursday Night Football matches after sealing a deal with the league, which cost a staggering $50 million. And now, Netflix is reportedly in talks for its first foray into live sports.