Netflix could screen live sports - but only if it owns them
Netflix's content boss Ted Sarandos has given an interesting insight into how live sports could eventually apepar on the service.
Speaking at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference in New York yrsterday(7 December). Sarandos dowplayed rumours that the company's move for live sports is immiment but did tease that if it were to do so then it then the leagues and events would have to be owned by Netflix.
Sarandos said that the reason for this is because “the leagues hold all the pricing power” and added that "if there was a model where we create our own sports league, that would be interesting".
The stance backs Netflix’s ongoing push to create exclusive original content rather than acquiring licences.
Sarandos’ comments come at a time when the NFL is tendering its Thursday Night programming package to potential bidders, although given his stance a move for the league seems unlikely.
Disney’s X Games on ESPN, which is owned and developed by Disney, was cited as an example of the kind of model which Netflix would be likely to pursue.
“That’s what it would take to get me into sports,” said the 51 year-old.
The rivalry between the streaming giants - Netflix, Amazon and Hulu- is heating up and acquiring live events would be a significant step in helping Netflix differentiate itself from those rivals and win round new audiences.