FOX and ESPN seem to be putting up a roadblock against a dream team ensemble for Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL coverage in 2025, preventing stars like Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan from joining the broadcast.
Insider reports from Front Office Sports suggest that these media behemoths are “reluctant” to share their top broadcasting talents, including Tom Brady, Kevin Burkhardt, Joe Buck, and Troy Aikman, with Netflix’s high-profile streaming event. Netflix plans to present a Christmas extravaganza with two prime-time NFL games: Dallas Cowboys facing off against Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET and Detroit Lions versus Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET.
This will be the second installment of Netflix’s ambitious three-year agreement with the NFL, designed to combine the league’s global clout with the festive vibes of Christmas Day.
Despite shelling out $150 million the previous season for exclusive rights and experiencing some initial hitches, Netflix witnessed its highest viewership ever on Christmas.
But with big-name personalities typically associated with NFL Sundays absent from the lineup, the streamer is anticipated to draw mainly from NFL Network and CBS talent pools.
The previous year’s Netflix Christmas broadcasts featured notable commentators from ESPN, FOX, NFL Network, and CBS, including Greg Olsen, Laura Rutledge, and Greg’s crew from FOX. Looking ahead to 2025, such allure may be missing, as FOX has declined requests for Brady and Burkhardt’s participation, with ESPN also set to hold the line.
ESPN’s reluctance to cooperate with Netflix could be a strategic move. Both networks are cautious about enhancing Netflix’s reputation ahead of the NFL’s next media rights negotiations, which could begin after their current contracts end in 2029.
By preventing Netflix from featuring ESPN or FOX talent, they could potentially curb the streaming service’s appeal as it seeks to establish itself not only as a content platform but also as an emerging player in live sports.
CBS, on the other hand, is anticipated to supply broadcast talent and production coverage for the games. Last year, CBS contributed announcers such as Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt, Nate Burleson, and sideline staff like Gene Steratore.
The news comes at a busy time for Bradshaw and Strahan as they gear up for a hectic season on FOX NFL Sunday. Bradshaw recently confirmed his commitment to the network until at least age 80, while Strahan is exploring additional opportunities in entertainment and film.
Given FOX’s strict exclusivity policies for its talent, a crossover was unlikely – even though fans might have been excited to see the NFL legends donning Santa outfits.
For NFL enthusiasts, this decision implies that Netflix’s Christmas Day broadcast will have a distinct flavor – perhaps less familiar, but still showcasing elite commentary from NBC and CBS. The true victors in this talent competition might be CBS and the NFL Network, whose commentators are poised to become the face of Netflix’s 2025 holiday football coverage.
As the festive season rapidly approaches, the focus is transitioning from jingle bells to broadcast bells – and in this high-stakes match, the broadcasters emerge as the surprise MVPs.
