Last month, Netflix ventured into live sports, showcasing a boxing match that marked a major departure from its usual programming. Known for hit series like Stranger Things, this move led to Netflix’s most significant download surge in four years.
While platforms like Peacock have leveraged sports content to grow their user base, Netflix’s foray into live streaming signals a new chapter in the streaming wars. Being a much larger player, Netflix’s experiment has drawn considerable attention.
NFL Games Spark Record Downloads
Building on its initial success, Netflix streamed two NFL Christmas games last week, further boosting downloads. According to Appfigures Intelligence, the platform saw 713,000 downloads the day before Christmas, 960,000 on Christmas Day, and 934,000 downloads the following day. This brought a total of 2.6 million downloads over three days, more than doubling the typical download numbers for Tuesday to Thursday.
The U.S. led in new downloads, followed by India and Brazil. Interestingly, Google Play downloads in these regions surpassed the App Store by a ratio of more than two to one. This surge is second only to the November Tyson vs. Paul fight, which generated 2.7 million downloads over a similar three-day period.
The Future of Streaming and Sports
The streaming landscape is evolving, with live sports becoming a critical component alongside original content. Platforms like Peacock have already embraced this strategy, amassing over 18 million downloads this year and nearing a total of 100 million downloads.
As 2025 unfolds, more sporting events are expected to debut on leading streaming apps, making live sports a key battleground in the competition for viewers, adds NIXsolutions. Netflix’s recent successes underscore the potential of this approach, and we’ll keep you updated as more integrations and trends emerge.