Netflix Expands NFL Coverage with Key Insider Addition

When ESPN acquired the NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and cable/satellite rights for NFL RedZone in January, questions arose about the future of many prominent sports media figures.

High-profile personalities like Ian Rapaport and Kyle Brandt retained their positions. However, ESPN reduced its roster by letting go of figures like Tom Pelissero, Ryan Clark, Charles Davis, Stephania Bell, Damien Woody, Cam Newton, and Bart Scott during recent layoffs.

Tom Pelissero quickly transitioned to a new role before the football season began. Netflix announced, “Tom Pelissero is joining Netflix Gameday as a sideline reporter and NFL insider for the entire slate of games this season, debuting with the 49ers vs. Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne.”

Additionally, Pelissero will co-host ‘The Ringer NFL Show’ and contribute to The Ringer’s NFL podcasts, including weekly appearances on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast.’ The Ringer’s video podcasts are accessible on Netflix.

As Netflix moves toward becoming a major player in live sports streaming, acquiring Pelissero, a former top NFL insider, marks significant progress. The platform plans to stream five NFL regular-season games in 2026 to its 325 million paid subscribers. Netflix aims to expand its sports lineup and become a preferred destination for professional sports content.

2026 Netflix NFL Schedule:

• Week 1: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, 8:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 10
• Week 12: Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams, Thanksgiving Eve, 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 25
• Week 16: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET, Christmas Day Doubleheader, Friday, Dec. 25
• Week 16: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, 4:30 p.m. ET, Christmas Day Doubleheader, Friday, Dec. 25
• Week 18: TBD regular-season finale, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Jan. 9