Get ready for a groundbreaking sporting experience brought to you by Netflix! The streaming giant is reportedly gearing up to host its first-ever live-streamed sporting event this fall. According to The Wall Street Journal, talks are underway to create an exciting golf tournament in Las Vegas featuring a star-studded lineup, including celebrities from popular sports content like Drive to Survive and Full Swing.
While discussions are still in the early stages, a talent-driven golf tournament seems the perfect choice for Netflix’s debut in sports streaming. Broadcasting live sports is a challenging and costly endeavor, with cutthroat competition for rights to major events. Despite attempting to secure Formula 1 coverage from ESPN, Netflix fell short in its previous efforts. In fact, even esteemed sports broadcasters like ESPN and Yahoo have cautiously approached live streaming, starting with less complex games to mitigate risks.
Netflix’s track record in live streaming isn’t flawless either. The live reunion show for Love is Blind encountered significant difficulties in April, leading to the cancellation of its live format. However, the platform streamed a Chris Rock comedy special flawlessly.
Nonetheless, Netflix has expressed interest in live content and sports for quite some time, patiently awaiting the opportunity to dive into the game. Thus far, the company has achieved considerable success with its documentary offerings. Drive to Survive is widely recognized for single-handedly popularizing Formula 1 in the United States, while Full Swing and Break Point have been triumphing in golf and tennis, respectively. Netflix has even announced Quarterback, an upcoming NFL documentary series slated for release this summer.
A one-off golf tournament could serve as a litmus test for Netflix, demonstrating its capability to handle more complex events to leagues and advertisers. It might also signify a strategic shift, emphasizing Netflix’s knack for using documentaries and behind-the-scenes content to captivate audiences and generate interest in lesser-known sports. Don’t be surprised if Netflix’s sports network becomes akin to Drive to Survive, encompassing various sports, from underwater hockey to toe wrestling. Such diverse content would provide an extensive array of streaming options and serve as a wellspring of fascinating intellectual property for future shows. Brace yourself for a sports revolution like no other, courtesy of Netflix!
