Chiefs and Netflix embroiled in controversy as fans voice concerns over upcoming star-studded games

Netflix will be streaming at least one holiday game as part of a three-season deal

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a passAP

Last March, the NFL publicly announced its partnership with Netflix to bring two Christmas Day games to the streaming platform on Wednesday, December 25. Yes, there will be NFL games on a Wednesday. The matchups are set: the Kansas City Chiefs will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Houston Texans will host the Baltimore Ravens. All four teams are currently in playoff contention, setting the stage for two exciting matchups.

Can Netflix Handle NFL’s Christmas Day Broadcasts After Tyson-Paul Troubles?

Netflixrecently announced that the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match became the most-streamed sporting event of all time, attracting 108 million live viewers worldwide. However, the record-breaking event also highlighted significant technical issues such as buffering, pixelated images, and audio interruptions, particularly during the undercard bouts. With 65 million concurrent streams during the main event, the success of the fight was marred by widespread complaints on social media, raising concerns about Netflix’s readiness for live sports streaming and the upcoming NFL games.

These challenges are particularly relevant as Netflix prepares for its first-ever NFL broadcasts on Christmas Day, with the doubleheader. With the NFL’s massive audience potentially doubling that of Tyson-Paul, Netflix will need to make sure its streaming platform can handle the increased demand. Especially since the second game between the Texans and Ravens will feature Beyonce singing at halftime, a tough test for Netflix that I have no doubt will be passed, but there will still be some homes where the signal is likely to fail.

As the NFL games approach, all eyes will be on whether Netflix can overcome these obstacles and deliver a seamless viewing experience for millions. By then, Taylor Swift will have completed her record-breaking “Eras Tour,” so she will surely be in attendance at the first game of that day, and with her, many more “Swifties” will want to spend Christmas following their idol. So by Christmas, we’ll have all the elements in place to “Netflix and chill.” Christmas + presents + family + NFL + Beyonce + Chiefs + Taylor Swift = best time.

In addition to this season, Netflix will also be streaming NFL games in 2025 and 2026, with “at least one game” scheduled for each year, according to the NFL. The deal between the NFL and Netflix is set to run for three years, marking a significant shift in the way live sports content is distributed. But for the contract and partnership to continue, they must first pass the ultimate test: overcoming the technical and image problems of the lackluster Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.