The NFL took the money and ran when Netflix offered them over $100 million for the lone broadcast rights to two games on Christmas Day. Not only did Netflix secure two games, but both of the matchups involve playoff-eligible teams. Basically, Netflix hit the jackpot as they hope to make their imprint in live sports.
There was some worry among fans that the streaming service wouldn't be able to handle the audience size, especially for Chiefs-Steelers, two of the biggest fanbases in the sport. Netflix had trouble with the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight just a few weeks ago, and those buffering issues went viral for the wrong reasons.
While the broadcast has – for the most part – not run into problems on that end in the first half, fans aren't thrilled with small aspects of the coverage like the scorebug, announcers and even Mariah Carey. It's just further proof that Americans will always find something to complain about.
Netflix NFL broadcast gets blasted, including the scorebug
Honestly, we're not sure how anyone over 60 is watching this game without help from younger generations.
My Grandma watching me find the NFL game by simply opening the Netflix app pic.twitter.com/VENWjW05gm
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) December 25, 2024
Ah, and now we have the scorebug complaints. You're so welcome for sharing these on your timeline.
The Netflix score bug isn’t awful, but it’s not my favorite. pic.twitter.com/hPfAfPsGCv
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) December 25, 2024
The Netflix scoreboard for Christmas Day games is ass lmao pic.twitter.com/3VbdXyMLFD
— John (@iam_johnw) December 25, 2024
The Netflix score box is the worse thing I've ever seen. It's an absolute monstrosity. #KCvsPIT #Netflix #NFLonNetflix pic.twitter.com/8eRckribCn
— Bob (@DuctTapeRandy) December 25, 2024
It didn't help that the scorebug docked the Steelers a timeout for...no real reason. Whoever is working the chyron is having a bad day.
Can’t wait for a Mahomes deep ball to be stopped by the Netflix loading screen today LMFAOO pic.twitter.com/YB4ojamDiD
— 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕟 🍊🎆 (@BlockedByBrink) December 25, 2024
There’s gonna be commercials on the Netflix games today??? 🤬🤬🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/0QVFqEyrR4
— Dave (fire Mayo now!) (@davethepatsfan) December 25, 2024
Viewers in nearly 200 countries worldwide tuned in to the Netflix pregame show for its Christmas coverage, according to the NFL. Viewers in all 50 states in the U.S. tuned in to the pregame show within minutes of it going live.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 25, 2024
There is a lot of money in live sports, and I can understand why Netflix is trying their hand in it. Heck, it's free advertising for some of their upcoming television shows and movies, which would otherwise cost them millions.
Whether the broadcast buffers or not, Netflix is in a no-win situation. Subscribers won't be happy with watching commercials, while NFL fans just want an easy way to see the game without paying extra for it. Unfortunately for both sectors, Roger Goodell and the NFL is interested in one thing only – their wallets.