Predicting 2026 headlines: Netflix chases the NFL

I think Netflix may have a hard time resisting a major pursuit of an NFL game package if the league starts negotiating this year.

As the world’s largest streaming service, Netflix’s power to generate headlines is undeniable. The streamer is quite capable of making moves that reshape the world entertainment industry, as it proved when it embarked on what appears to be a successful pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery in late 2025.

There’s still a long way to go for Netflix before that transaction is completed, but if it is carried through to the end, it will inarguably be a major story for the streamer in 2026. However, I…