Netflix Doubles Down on Sports Heading Into 2026

Squid Game and Stranger Things aren’t the only things Netflix wants to be known for heading into the back half of the decade. They’ve made several moves to close out the year that they hope will entrench them as a global sports powerhouse.

The streaming behemoth exclusively brought viewers the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua-Jake Paul fight on December 19. It was the second time the streamer tapped into Paul’s enormous social media following, even though he was knocked out in the sixth round by a vicious Joshua right hook.

ANTHONY JOSHUA GETS THE KO AGAINST JAKE PAUL IN ROUND 6 #JakeJoshua pic.twitter.com/rDlWbylK2S

— Netflix (@netflix) December 20, 2025

The end result of the fight may not matter to Netflix as much as the attention they have the ability to generate for any given sporting event.

“It leverages its production expertise to build hype around live events through documentaries, behind-the-scenes features, and other content,” Anthony Stitt of Forbes wrote. “This transforms a single boxing match into a larger cultural event, deepening engagement with sports fans.”

The show did not stop there. Netflix also brought NFL fans two games on Christmas, featuring the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders as well as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

It’s been reported that Netflix is paying the NFL an average of $75 million per game for the right to stream them on the platform. They showed two contests on Christmas in 2024, and are guaranteed to show at least one Christmas contest in 2026 as well.

It isn’t just the get-in fee. Netflix also had to “rent” NFL broadcasting talent from other networks for their Christmas production, although the cost of doing business in that realm is not widely known. Netflix brought in NFL on CBS play by play announcer Ian Eagle, Fox Sports game analyst Drew Brees, The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, and a host of other NFL media veterans.

But perhaps the boldest move Netflix made in 2025 to set themselves up as a legitimate player in the sports broadcasting space was luring one of ESPN’s biggest fish away from the company. The streaming giant signed Elle Duncan to be the face of the platform’s live sports coverage. She will make her first official appearance on the platform on January 23.

I have no words for the send off I just got from my family at ESPN. I’m so humbled. I’m so emotional. I’m so grateful. I’ll have more to say – but right now I’m just overwhelmed and soaking in my family on my sons bday. Thank you to everyone who watched. ILYSM

— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) December 17, 2025

“Joining Netflix feels like being invited to an already legendary party and somehow getting handed the aux cord,” Duncan said. “For a lifelong utility player, a multisport assignment is a full-circle moment, and being trusted with something this one-of-a-kind feels incredibly special and surreal.”

It’ll be interesting to see how Netflix deploys Duncan over the next several years, and whether other talent from traditional sports media networks decide to join her in the near future.

As if all of the above wasn’t enough, Netflix has also made a big swing to get into the world of baseball starting in 2026. They have exclusive streaming rights for the opening game of MLB’s season in each of the next three years, and will also air the Home Run Derby during that time frame as well.