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Netflix's Bela Bajaria defines event strategy as streamer eyes more live sports
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Netflix's live sports strategy focuses on transforming select games and tournaments into cultural "events" that generate buzz and appointment viewing, according to Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria.
- Netflix aired five NFL games in the 2026-27 season, including international and holiday games, but Bajaria indicated the platform is not interested in acquiring a large package of NFL games, aligning with co-CEO Ted Sarandos' earlier comments.
- Netflix is interested in bidding for the FIFA Men's World Cup rights in 2030 and 2034, complementing its existing rights for the Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031, reflecting a strong partnership with FIFA.
- Despite the growth of short-form video platforms like YouTube, Bajaria emphasized that Netflix will continue to focus on TV series and movies as its core content, believing that authentic and high-quality storytelling will attract viewers across demographics.
