Netflix Scores NFL Games, Fans Upset By Extra Subscription

The NFL released its 2024 regular season schedule the other day and fans are gearing up for all the excitement ahead. And there's a change that some fans are unhappy about: Netflix will stream Christmas Day NFL games for the next three years. The league announced Wednesday that the streaming platform will show two games on Christmas Day this year, followed by at least one matchup in both 2025 and 2026. The games will continue to be available on broadcast TV in local team markets and on the NFL+ mobile app.

Unfortunately, many fans aren’t too thrilled about having to add another subscription service to watch football. Front Office Sports shared on X, formerly known as Twitter the platforms NFL games will be streaming across. They included on their list Netflix, ESPN+, Peacock, Prime video, and YouTubeTV – Sunday Ticket. They also included the prices of each streaming platform per month. When you add up their monthly costs, it totals out to $105.86.

People quickly rushed to the comments section of Netlfix’s announcement to share their thoughts. “Nobody wanted this,” one person said. “So now I need YouTube TV, Peacock and Netflix to watch football? Am I missing anything else?” someone said. Another person poked fun at the changing times saying, “I'm old enough to remember all NFL games included with one cable package.” Someone decided to announce how they plan to cheat the system. “Time to cancel my streaming subscriptions and get a VPN.”

You’re probably thinking that you could just sign up for trials or borrow someone’s login information. But it’s not that simple. Many streaming platforms like Netlfix have cracked down on password sharing. And as far as free trials are concerned, it may cost you more in the long run. USA TODAY reported on a study that shows how businesses get rich off you forgetting to cancel your subscriptions.

“While subscription products may provide convenience benefits to consumers, they may also allow firms to exploit inattentive subscribers,” stated the outlet. Inertia or forgetfulness can be lucrative for companies, boosting revenues from 14% to more than 200%, new research from economists at Stanford University and Texas A&M shows.

“I signed up for Paramount+ to watch Champions League soccer during the winter and spring last year, but then of course in the summer I forgot to cancel. So for six months, I forgot and then a couple months ago, when the sports season started again, I said, ‘I should sign up for Paramount+. Oh wait a minute, I am signed up,” one of the researchers told the outlet.

This latest move now gives the NFL exclusive rights with Netflix, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock. A total of 272 regular season games are airing on network television and streaming services in 2024, Wall Street Journal reporter Joe Flint posted on X.