The streaming revolution in football is accelerating. According to a new report, Netflix and YouTube will each get additional NFL games this fall after ESPN decided to hand back four Monday Night Football doubleheaders. This shift underscores how quickly digital platforms are becoming the go-to destinations for live sports.
The decision came as part of ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network, but it also reflects a broader realization: Monday night doubleheaders weren't working. Hans Schroeder, the NFL's executive vice president of media distribution, admitted as much. "When we did the deal five years ago, we thought adding two games on Monday night would be a great thing for fans," he said. "It was more free football that was outside of a Sunday afternoon. I think we collectively struggled and realized that fans felt they were conflicted to choose between those games."
CNBC's Alex Sherman broke the news that the four games ESPN gave back will be split between YouTube and Netflix. On top of that, the league is expected to add an extra game for one of the global streaming giants. This comes as Netflix prepares to air two Christmas Day games this year—the final year of its current three-year deal. Sherman noted that Netflix is eager to renew, but that may depend on how much inventory the league can offer.
This isn't the first time YouTube has made headlines in the NFL world. The platform recently faced scrutiny after a prankster stormed the draft stage, leading to a lifetime ban from the league. But now, YouTube is being welcomed as a legitimate broadcast partner, not just a source of viral clips.
Meanwhile, the future of Monday Night Football on ESPN remains a big question mark. Disney CFO Hugh Johnston revealed that the network hasn't started renewal talks yet, even though the current contract runs through 2030. "We're not dogmatic about the process," Johnston said. "We're always willing to have a conversation with the NFL in an effort to find new opportunities for growth. We expect to be in business with the league for years to come."
For now, ESPN still has a strong relationship with the NFL, but the landscape is shifting. With Netflix and YouTube snapping up more games, the league is clearly betting on streaming to reach younger, cord-cutting audiences. This move also echoes the challenges the NFL has faced with its 2026 schedule release, where streaming package negotiations caused delays.
So, what does this mean for fans? More games will be available on platforms you already use—maybe even ones you're already paying for. But it also means keeping track of where to watch could get trickier. One thing's for sure: the NFL is all in on streaming, and Netflix and YouTube are now major players in the game.
