Netflix co-CEO clarifies streaming giant’s live sports strategy amid NFL lineup expansion, federal scrutiny

The Justice Department is probing the NFL's exclusive streaming deals amidst fan frustration over fragmented and paid access. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questions if the league should retain its special antitrust exemption, initially established by the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley suggests Congress examine the NFL's monopoly structure, highlighting their $25 billion annual revenue and rising fan costs.

Streaming giant Netflix’s push into live sports has ranged from the WWE and Formula 1 to select MLB and NFL games.

While the initiative has drawn some criticism, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the strategy is not aimed at securing full-season rights packages for any sports league."

"We’re not bidding on whole season of sports, including the NFL," Sarandos told Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" on Tuesday. So far, Sarandos' comments have held true with Netflix prioritizing marquee events, including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and the New York Yankees' opening-day shutout of the San Francisco Giants.

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The Netflix logo is displayed on a building in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 2, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Sarandos holding a firm line on the company's stance comes amid ongoing federal scrutiny into the NFL, and more broadly, the trend of sports rights growing more fragmented. Some have argued the trend makes it most costly and ultimately difficult for fans to view games.

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However, federal scrutiny into sports fragmentation has brought the topic of live sports on streaming services to the forefront.

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