Netflix is Going to Live Stream Sports? Netflix executives argue that they are interested in airing live games.
It is common knowledge at this point that TV networks depend on live sports to survive the growing rise of streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. That’s why people pay millions of dollars to sports leagues for broadcast rights.
Now, a recent Business Insider article has raised questions about the future of live sports on network television. Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos’ said “never say never.” Speaking at a media research conference, Ted Sarandos revealed the future of live sports and Netflix and it looks pretty bright.
“I will never say never, but I would say that where we sit today I don’t think the on-demandness to sports is enough of an addition to the value proposition to change,” Sarandos said, according to a webcast of the event. “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.” [Business Insider]
Netflix has branded itself to the consumer that loves to binge-watch TV shows and movie series. However, live sports puts Netflix in a new arena. In addition, by purchasing broadcast rights it is unsure if Netflix can actually make a profit off of live games.
There’s a reason why ESPN ignores hockey in favor of basketball in its coverage, it’s because ESPN does not have broadcast rights, so instead of paying NBC for their coverage to use in highlights, ESPN rarely ever discusses the number of goals scored last night.
It may be a few years before the Super Bowl is live streamed on Netflix. But, Netflix is seriously thinking about which should scare TV networks everywhere.
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