Netflix, the popular streaming service, is making its debut in the world of live sports broadcasting with the “Netflix Cup” golf tournament. This exciting event is set for November 14 and brings together PGA Tour golfers and Formula 1 drivers for a unique competition. Netflix is using this opportunity to build on the success of its existing shows and try something new in the world of live sports.
The “Netflix Cup” is an eight-hole golf tournament that features four well-known PGA Tour golfers and four Formula 1 drivers. On the golf side, we have Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas. Each of them will team up with a Formula 1 driver: Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Lando Norris, and Carlos Sainz.
Here’s the fun part: the top two teams, made up of a golfer and a Formula 1 driver, will go head-to-head in a ninth hole showdown at the famous Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas. This exciting event takes place just before the first-ever Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18.
What makes this event even more interesting is that all eight participants have had their moments in the spotlight thanks to Netflix. “Drive to Survive,” a series that Netflix made about Formula 1, was a hit in the United States and played a big part in making Formula 1 more popular. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were looking for sports content. Netflix also launched “Full Swing” in February, a show that gives us a look into the lives of PGA Tour players.
Gabe Spitzer, who works at Netflix, said, “We love to see how our sports shows have made people all over the world bigger fans of sports. The Netflix Cup takes that excitement to the next level with stars from two popular shows competing in our very first live sports event.”
This golf tournament could be the start of something big for Netflix in the world of live sports. While Netflix has been thinking about getting into live sports, it hasn’t jumped in yet. However, things might change in the future. Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, mentioned that the company believes it can offer exciting sports content to its subscribers without getting into the complex world of live sports deals. This means we might see more sports on Netflix in the future.
With TV deals for major sports teams changing and how people watch sports evolving, Netflix’s entry into live sports could be a game-changer. While Netflix hasn’t officially entered the world of live sports rights, the “Netflix Cup” golf tournament is a big step in that direction.
