The NFL is reportedly preparing to expand its relationship with streaming platforms as the league finalizes broadcast plans for the 2026 season. According to multiple reports, the NFL schedule is expected to be released next Wednesday or Thursday, with growing attention surrounding where several high-profile games will air.
One of the biggest developments involves the former ESPN Monday Night Football doubleheader games, which are currently without a media home after ESPN returned the rights to the league earlier this year as part of its agreement to acquire NFL Network.
NFL Could Split New Game Packages Between YouTube and Netflix
According to a report from CNBC’s Alex Sherman, the NFL plans to divide those games between YouTube and Netflix. The move would continue the league’s aggressive push into streaming while also giving both platforms expanded NFL inventory.
Reports suggest YouTube could receive a five-game package, while Netflix is interested in increasing its NFL presence beyond its current Christmas Day games. Netflix currently holds rights to two Christmas Day matchups through the 2026 season and is reportedly looking to extend that partnership further.
If finalized, the agreement would mark another major shift in how NFL games are distributed across traditional television and digital streaming services.
Former Monday Night Football Doubleheaders Still Unassigned
The four games previously used as ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheaders remain unclaimed for the upcoming season. Industry speculation has pointed toward streaming services becoming the likely landing spot, and the latest reports appear to confirm that direction.
The NFL’s growing partnership with streaming companies reflects the league’s broader strategy of reaching younger audiences and expanding digital viewership worldwide.
NFL Still Plans to Increase Broadcast TV Presence
Interestingly, the NFL reportedly expects a slightly larger percentage of games to air on traditional broadcast television in 2026 compared to last season. Approximately 87% of NFL games aired on broadcast networks last year, and league officials reportedly expect that number to rise slightly this season.
That creates some confusion regarding how the league will balance new streaming packages with maintaining strong broadcast coverage.
If YouTube and Netflix combine for as many as nine games, the NFL may need to shift additional matchups away from traditional television partners to accommodate the new packages.
Christmas Day NFL Broadcast Changes in 2026
One confirmed change already involves the NFL’s Christmas Day schedule. A third Christmas Day game will air on Fox this season after Prime Video previously carried the extra holiday matchup when Christmas fell on a Thursday.
The move signals that the NFL continues to balance streaming growth with maintaining strong relationships with major broadcast partners such as Fox, CBS, NBC, and ESPN.
NFL Schedule Release Expected Next Week
Fans are expected to learn the full details soon, with the official NFL schedule release anticipated next week. Along with game dates and primetime matchups, the release will likely clarify how the league plans to distribute games across broadcast television and streaming platforms during the 2026 season.
As streaming competition intensifies, the NFL remains one of the most valuable live sports properties in media, and companies like Netflix and YouTube are increasingly eager to secure a larger share of the league’s audience.