Netflix Executive Discusses Company’s Approach to Live Sports Programming

Netflix’s approach to live sports is all about making each game an “event.” The company has secured agreements for big-ticket events like MLB’s Opening Day and Home Run Derby, an NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Even though Netflix has been eyeing specific properties, they aren’t ruling out expanding their lineup as opportunities arise.

In a recent interview on The Varsity podcast, Netflix’s VP of Sports, Gabe Spitzer, emphasized that Netflix isn’t interested in high-volume sports rights. According to Spitzer, they’re focused on creating a special experience for viewers with events like Opening Night or a Home Run Derby, rather than random games. While plans may evolve over time, Spitzer emphasized that their current approach is more about quality over quantity.

When asked about potentially acquiring local sports rights packages, such as those from MLB or the NBA, Spitzer explained that Netflix isn’t keen on adding extra costs for viewers through add-on subscriptions. This aligns with Netflix’s current model of keeping its content accessible without additional fees.

While Netflix’s stance may change in the future, Spitzer’s emphasis on curated, high-quality sporting events remains the core of their current strategy. As with any evolving company, it’s essential to watch their actions to understand where they’re headed, rather than just listening to what they say. So, while Netflix may not be in the volume business for live sports now, who knows what the future holds for this streaming giant.