It all looks like Netflix could be planning to live stream a sporting event, which would feature professional golfers and Formula 1 drivers participating in a celebrity golf tournament. Thus, the potential move would mark the broadcaster’s first foray into live sports, that’s right, the first live sporting event with celebrities, let’s see what it’s all about.
New Promising Bets
FYI, Netflix’s first live-streamed sporting event could be coming this fall. That’s right, the report comes from the Wall Street Journal, where it wrote that the event would likely take place in Las Vegas, according to people familiar with the situation. And, apparently, discussions about the tournament are still preliminary.
Now, the golf tournament would feature celebrities from two Netflix docuseries, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing.” Where the F1 series has worked particularly well for the streamer and is said to have helped revive the sport’s popularity among fans. In addition, the fifth season premiered on February 24, 2023 and had almost 570,000 viewers in the first seven days, an increase of 40% compared to season 4.
Even last year at this time, rumors circulated that Netflix was competing with ESPN and NBCUniversal for the rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the U.S. However, in the end, ESPN renewed the racing rights and is set to broadcast the games through the 2025 season.
But not only this, as, according to reports, Netflix also considered bidding for the rights to broadcast tennis and cycling events.
More to Know…
So, apparently, the talks are early, but a customized, talent-driven golf tournament makes a lot of sense as Netflix’s first foray into sports streaming. However, live sports streaming is risky, difficult and expensive, and bids for big-name events are increasingly fierce.
However, it’s worth considering that Netflix’s live streaming reputation isn’t great either. Since, in April, its live reunion show “Love is Blind” was such a flop that the service canceled the live aspect of the show altogether.
Although, it did manage to stream a Chris Rock comedy special without mishap. But with this upcoming foray, it could be ideal for further experimentation with live streaming technology.
So, a unique golf tournament could be a test case for Netflix to prove to leagues and advertisers that it can handle more complex events. It could also be a sign of strategy: the company has shown it can use documentaries and behind-the-scenes content to get people interested in sports they previously knew nothing about.
Finally, in 2024, Netflix will live stream the Screen Actors Guild Awards, a big bet.
So, you already know, soon you will be able to try this new bet of the famous streaming platform, we will be telling you about it.
Don’t miss it!