Netflix expands into live sports with tennis event featuring Alcaraz and Nadal
Leading global streaming service Netflix has officially announced its foray into live sports with an upcoming high-profile men’s tennis showdown scheduled for early-March.
Following its inaugural live sports coverage during a celebrity golf tournament in November, Netflix is set to broadcast a fascinating clash between Spanish tennis superstars Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal on March 3, as part of a broader tennis tournament.
This event has been dubbed ‘The Netflix Slam’ and is slated to take place at the prestigious Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Netflix has hinted at the inclusion of more top-tier players and additional matches, promising an exciting spectacle for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
The live broadcast of The Netflix Slam will be available in both English and Spanish, produced by the renowned Full Day Productions firm.
“I’m thrilled that with The Netflix Slam, we can allow our global audience to watch two tennis greats battle each other in a one-of-a-kind live event,” said Gabe Splitzer, Netflix’s Vice President of Nonfiction Sports.
Netflix, which has produced a number of successful behind-the-scenes sports documentaries, is expanding its sports coverage to include live action. The platform recently debuted the tennis docu-series, Break Point, focusing on the ATP (men’s) and WTA (women’s) tours, with a second season anticipated early next year.
The Netflix Cup golf tournament showcased a unique matchup between Formula 1 drivers from Drive to Survive and golfers from the PGA Tour’s Full Swing.
While Netflix had previously been hesitant to secure live sports rights, its recent venture into this domain marks a shift in strategy. Co-Chief Executive Ted Sarandos had previously emphasised the lack of profitability in the sector, but the streaming giant is now actively pursuing live sports coverage.
In mid-November, Netflix announced an exclusive partnership with international pay-TV operator Setanta Sports in 13 countries, introducing a joint bundle called Fan Pack, enabling subscribers to access both Setanta Sports and Netflix content with a single subscription fee.
