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$435.6 Billion Media Giant Pose Alleged Threat to NBC's $2B NFL Deal

Apr 17, 2026, 4:51 PM CUT

The NFL’s media rights are becoming more competitive with every new deal. Networks are no longer the only players, as streaming platforms are now pushing hard for top packages.

A recent update has raised fresh questions about NBC’s hold on Sunday Night Football. NFL Rumors shared an update on X this Tuesday, pointing to rising pressure on NBC.

“NBC is reportedly 'at risk' of losing its Sunday Night Football package. Amid the soaring prices of the NFL’s broadcasting rights, with Netflix 'motivated to offer the sun and moon' for the SNF package,” per sports media insider John Ourand.

NBC has broadcast Sunday Night Football since 2006 and pays around $2 billion per season for the package. It remains one of the most valuable slots in the league, often featuring the biggest weekly game.

Netflix, a company with a market capitalization of $435.6 billion, per Investing.com, has the financial power to compete. With live sports becoming more important, it can push hard for a deal like this.

That idea was also discussed by Michael Nathanson of MoffettNathanson while speaking to Ourand.

“Look at what NBC is paying for the NBA,” Nathanson said. “Now imagine what the NFL wants for Sunday Night Football, which is the best game. What’s stopping Netflix...That would accelerate its ability to monetize ads. So, to me, the NBC Sunday night game is probably the most at risk.”

He also pointed to rising interest from streaming platforms. Netflix, for example, has been identified to target Sunday night games as a way to grow both its audience and advertising reach.

All of this now puts the focus on what happens next, especially if more companies enter the race for NFL rights.

Growing Competition Changes How Fans Watch NFL Games

The fight for NFL rights is no longer limited to traditional networks. Streaming platforms are no longer on the sidelines. They’re now part of the conversation, and that changes how fans watch games going forward.

Amazon has already stepped in with Thursday Night Football. But if Netflix does want to land the weekly game, then it must have a weekly package.

Considering Amazon already has that, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes that would be a "better option." So, if a platform lands something like Sunday night games, it would be a much bigger jump.

For Netflix, the appeal is clear. A weekly NFL game would bring steady viewership and open new ways to earn through ads.

At the same time, this shift is not being welcomed by everyone. Some fans are worried that games moving across platforms make access more difficult.

The NFL, however, continues to benefit from the demand. More competition means bigger deals, and the league is likely to take full advantage of it.

However, NBC still holds the current deal, but the pressure is building. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore

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