On Wednesday, Netflix will stream NFL games for the first time ever, only weeks after a disastrous, for many, experience with the streaming of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. From outages to glitches to video that was often far from crisp and clear, the NFL (and Netflix) can’t afford a repeat on Christmas Day.
In the aftermath of a dry run that was all wet, we suggested that the NFL have an emergency option that would divert the games to a network partner. With CBS producing the games for Netflix, it would make sense to send the signal to CBS if/when trouble arises for Netflix.
So we asked the league this question earlier today: “Are there any contingency plans in place for tomorrow in the event Netflix has technical issues?”
Here’s the response we received, from a league spokesperson: “We will be prepared and we are looking forward to a great day.”
That doesn’t say there’s a plan in place to deliver the content through a traditional TV network. It also doesn’t say there isn’t.
Regardless, the NFL says it will be prepared. Hopefully, everything will work smoothly for the league, for Netflix, and for everyone who fires up Netflix and turns on either Chiefs-Steelers or Ravens-Texans — or both.
