Netflix focuses on sports-related content rather than live events.

Jonty Jackson July 20, 2023 Sports

Netflix to Focus on Sports-Adjacent Programming Instead of Live Sports Streaming

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently revealed that the streaming giant has no immediate plans to venture into live sports streaming. During the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, Sarandos stated, “We really think that we can have a really strong offering for sports fans on Netflix without having to be part of the difficulty of the economic model of live sports licensing.”[^1^]

Focus on Sports-Adjacent Programming

Sarandos highlighted Netflix’s success with sports-adjacent programming such as the docuseries “Quarterback” and “Tour de France: Unchained.” He emphasized the significance of exceptional storytelling, stating, “You do that through exceptional storytelling, not through the live-ness of the game.” This strategy allows Netflix to introduce new audiences to sports that have been around for a long time and are not well understood.[^2^]

Wide Variety of Sports Programming

Sarandos elaborated on how Netflix’s focus on storytelling enables them to offer a wide variety of sports programming for sports fans throughout the year. By leveraging their strengths in storytelling, the company aims to cater to sports enthusiasts with compelling in-season content.[^3^]