Does Netflix Have Live Sports? (2026)

# Does Netflix Have Live Sports? (2026)

Yes, Netflix has live sports—and significantly more than it did just two years ago. As of 2026, Netflix has transformed from a pure on-demand streaming service into a legitimate live sports broadcaster, featuring NFL games, WWE wrestling events, boxing matches, MLB content, and more. All live sporting events are included with your existing Netflix subscription at no extra cost.

What Live Sports Are Available on Netflix in 2026?

Netflix's live sports offerings have expanded dramatically. Here's what you can watch right now:

NFL Games

Netflix streams multiple NFL games throughout the season under a four-year partnership extension through the 2029-30 season. This includes:

• Week 1 regular season games
• Thanksgiving Eve matchup
• Christmas Day games
• Week 18 regular season finale
• NFL Honors awards show

WWE Wrestling

Netflix partners with WWE to broadcast live wrestling events regularly. This includes WWE Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events. WWE programming is now a cornerstone of Netflix's live sports strategy, with events scheduled throughout the year.

Boxing and Combat Sports

Netflix has acquired rights to premium boxing events and combat sports matches, bringing major fights to subscribers worldwide.

MLB Content

Baseball fans can access MLB games through Netflix's expanded sports partnerships.

Other Live Events

Beyond traditional sports, Netflix also streams live comedy specials, award shows, and talk shows that fall into the "live event" category.

How to Watch Live Sports on Netflix

Watching live sports on Netflix is straightforward:

Step 1: Ensure You Have an Active Subscription

You need any Netflix plan (Standard, Premium, or Basic) to access live events. No premium sports tier is required.

Step 2: Update Your Netflix App

Make sure your Netflix app is running the latest version. Live sports features require current software to function properly.

Step 3: Navigate to the Live Section

Open Netflix and look for the "Live" section in the menu. This hub displays upcoming live events and currently streaming broadcasts.

Step 4: Select Your Event

Browse upcoming sports events and click on the one you want to watch. You'll see the scheduled start time and event details.

Step 5: Start Watching

Click "Watch Live" when the event begins. The broadcast will start in real-time, and you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward depending on Netflix's settings for that specific event.

Step 6: Catch Replays Later

If you miss a live broadcast, many events remain available to watch on-demand for a limited time after the livestream ends.

Why Netflix Entered the Live Sports Market

Netflix's pivot to live sports serves multiple strategic purposes. The platform seeks to increase subscriber engagement, reduce churn, and compete with established sports broadcasters and streaming rivals. Live events create "water cooler moments"—shared experiences that drive conversations on social media and justify continued subscriptions. By securing major partnerships with the NFL and WWE, Netflix positioned itself as essential viewing for sports fans, not just entertainment seekers.

Netflix vs. Competitors: Live Sports Comparison

How does Netflix's sports offering stack up against other streaming platforms? Here's a detailed comparison:

For a deeper dive on how these platforms compare, see our full breakdown of Netflix Vs ESPN Plus and Netflix Vs Peacock.

Netflix vs. Amazon Prime Video for Sports

Amazon Prime Video remains a strong competitor with Thursday Night Football exclusivity and select NBA games. However, Netflix's WWE monopoly and expanding NFL presence make it increasingly attractive to sports fans. Prime Video also bundles sports with its broader entertainment and shipping benefits, while Netflix charges separately. For a comprehensive comparison, read Netflix Vs Amazon Prime Video.

Device Compatibility for Live Sports

Netflix live sports work on most modern devices, including:

• Smartphones (iOS and Android)
• Tablets
• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
• Streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Fire Stick, Chromecast)
• Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge)
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)

Note: Some older devices may not support live streaming. If your device doesn't support live playback, you can typically watch the event replay after it ends.

When to Watch: 2026 Live Sports Calendar

Netflix schedules live sports throughout the year:

• NFL Season: September–January (multiple games)
• WWE Events: Ongoing weekly shows plus premium events
• Boxing Events: Scheduled throughout the year
• MLB Games: Spring through October
• Special Events: Awards shows and celebrity boxing matches

Check Netflix's "Live" section or your app notifications for specific dates and times.

The Future of Netflix Sports

Netflix's sports expansion shows no signs of slowing. The platform has signaled intent to acquire additional rights and expand its live event portfolio beyond 2026. This positions Netflix as a destination for live sports alongside traditional broadcasters and streaming rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pay extra for live sports on Netflix?

A: No. All live sports are included with your current Netflix subscription. You don't need a premium tier or additional add-on. The same content is available to Standard, Premium, and Basic plan subscribers.

Q: Can I watch Netflix live sports outside the United States?

A: Yes, Netflix offers live sports to subscribers in multiple countries, though availability varies by region. NFL games, WWE events, and boxing matches are available internationally, but specific events may differ based on your location and broadcast rights agreements.

Q: What happens if I miss a live sports event on Netflix?

A: Most live sports are available to watch on-demand for a limited time after the broadcast ends. However, some events may only be available for a short window. Check Netflix immediately after the event concludes to ensure you can access the replay.

Q: Is live sports streaming included on all Netflix plans?

A: Yes. Whether you subscribe to Basic, Standard, or Premium, you have access to all live sports events. The difference between plans relates to video quality and simultaneous streams, not content access.

Q: Can I use Netflix's offline download feature for live sports?

A: Live broadcasts cannot be downloaded in advance, but replays may be available for download on some events depending on Netflix's policies for that specific broadcast.