What happened: Netflix announced an expanded 2026 NFL package that runs from kickoff through Super Bowl week. The slate includes a 49ers vs. Rams season opener in Australia, the first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game between the Packers and Rams, a Christmas Gameday, a Week 18 matchup with playoff stakes, and NFL Honors.

Why it matters: The deal deepens Netflix's push into live sports after its 2024 Christmas Day debut and signals the NFL's continued willingness to fragment its broadcast rights across streamers. International kickoffs and holiday windows are the league's highest-leverage growth slots, and handing two of them to Netflix raises the platform's profile as a year-round NFL destination. It also tightens the squeeze on traditional broadcast partners for premium inventory.

What to watch: Watch Thursday's full schedule release for kickoff times, opponents on the remaining Netflix windows, and how the Australia opener slots into the international nine-game package.