Fox has made a bold decision ahead of this year’s NFL Christmas Day games, declining a request from Netflix to feature football legend Tom Brady in their coverage. The move has caught the attention of sports fans and media insiders alike, as Netflix was hoping to leverage Brady’s star power during one of the two highly anticipated December 25 matchups.
To understand the full picture, it’s essential to note that Brady signed a massive 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports following his retirement from the NFL. His transition from the field to the broadcasting booth has been gradual, and he has yet to fully establish himself as a top-tier commentator. Fox holds exclusive rights to Brady’s on-air appearances, making Netflix’s request a high-stakes proposition in the ongoing competition for NFL broadcasting supremacy.
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Netflix, which has secured the rights to air two Christmas Day games-Chiefs vs. Steelers and Ravens vs. Texans-offered to bring Brady on board for one of these marquee matchups. However, Fox quickly shut down the proposal, ensuring that their exclusive deal with Brady remains intact. It’s unclear if Brady himself had any interest in participating, or how much Netflix was willing to pay for his appearance.
The decision has left many fans wondering what could have been. Having Brady in the booth for a holiday game could have provided him with valuable experience and bolstered his broadcasting resume. It also could have given Netflix an edge in their growing pursuit of live sports coverage, especially after their successful partnership with Brady on his recent comedy roast, which drew significant viewership.
A key factor in Fox’s refusal might involve Brady’s current status as a potential part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Due to NFL rules, Brady is restricted from attending practices and production meetings related to teams he has an ownership stake in. With those restrictions in place, it’s possible that Fox felt Brady wouldn’t be adequately prepared to offer meaningful analysis during the games.
Fox’s exclusive grip on Tom Brady leaves Netflix out in the cold for Christmas NFL broadcast
Despite Netflix’s $150 million investment to secure the rights to air the Christmas Day NFL matchups, Fox’s long-term commitment to Brady won out. By holding firm, Fox ensured that Brady remains exclusive to their network as he continues to work toward his full-time debut in the broadcast booth.
Ultimately, fans looking to catch Brady on screen during the holiday season will have to tune in to Fox at another time. For now, the iconic quarterback-turned-broadcaster won’t be joining Netflix for their Christmas Day NFL coverage, leaving his growing fan base eagerly awaiting his next move in the world of sports media.
With Brady’s future as a broadcaster still unfolding, Fox’s decision to reject Netflix’s offer highlights the intense competition for high-profile talent in the world of sports broadcasting, ensuring that the Brady brand remains closely tied to Fox’s NFL coverage.
