CBS Sports to produce Steelers-Chiefs Christmas game on Netflix

While we know the Pittsburgh Steelers will be competing in the first-ever NFL game on Netflix, we now also know which company will be producing it. According to the Wall Street Journal via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports will produce the Steelers' Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From PFT:

“According to Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal (via Sports Business Daily), CBS Sports will produce the two games will be broadcast by the streaming giant on December 25th.

It's a one-year deal. CBS will receive a production fee and commercials during the games for its own programming.”

Reports from the preseason suggested that Netflix was struggling to find a partner to produce the game. There were concerns about the quality of the product and a successful broadcast would allow Netflix to expand its reach in games and outcompete other television partners such as FOX, ABC, CBS and NBC.

However, according to reporting, the agreement does not include CBS's on-air talent. That means you shouldn't expect to see Jim Nantz or Tony Romo on the phone for that show. Instead, the production and directing team would be in charge of the show, possibly led by director Mike Arnold. While the show wouldn't feature CBS branding, their team would be steering the ship.

Having a company as well-known as CBS produce these games is a huge win for Netflix. Reports and speculation suggested that Netflix would have to turn to international or non-soccer sources such as Endeavor Group Holdings' IMG, the company that produces the Major League Soccer games. This would bring with it the added risk of a lack of experience in producing an NFL game and a poor broadcast could rob Netflix of future opportunities.

CBS will produce the Steelers' game against the Chiefs and the subsequent matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. Both games will take place on a Wednesday and, to accommodate the chaotic schedule, all four teams will play on the Saturday of the previous week.

Those living in their home market can watch the game on television, while those outside their home market will need a Netflix subscription to tune in. In recent years, the NFL has expanded its reach to online exclusives, striking deals with Amazon to produce NBC's “Thursday Night Football” and “Peacock for a Wild Card Game.”