The NFL is making history in 2026—and Netflix is coming along for the ride. According to reports, Netflix will stream the 2026 NFL season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, marking the first NFL game ever played in Australia. The matchup is set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 8:35 p.m. ET and will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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A Historic First for the NFL
The game itself is already groundbreaking. Not only is it a Week 1 showdown between division rivals, but it will also be the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game played in Melbourne, Australia. That makes this more than just an opener. It’s a global event.
Netflix Continues Its Sports Expansion
Netflix airing the game is another major sign of how rapidly sports broadcasting is changing. The streaming giant has already dipped into NFL coverage with Christmas Day games over the past two seasons and is scheduled to air another Christmas doubleheader this year.
Now, it’s taking an even bigger step:
- Opening night
- International stage
- Exclusive global stream
That’s significant. For decades, NFL broadcasts were dominated by traditional television giants like NBC and ESPN. Now, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Netflix are all becoming central players in the future of live sports. The NFL clearly sees streaming as a major part of its long-term strategy, especially as viewing habits continue to evolve globally.
Not Everyone Loves the Australia Trip
While the league is embracing the spectacle, not everyone is thrilled. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has already made it clear he isn’t particularly excited about opening the season with a massive international trip.
And honestly, it’s understandable. The travel demands, time difference, and unusual preparation schedule create challenges that teams normally never face in Week 1.
How Fans Can Watch
For fans in local team markets, the game will still air on over-the-air television. Everywhere else? You’ll need a Netflix subscription. That alone represents a major shift for one of the NFL’s premier regular-season broadcasts.
The NFL opening its season in Australia is historic. Netflix streaming it exclusively makes it even bigger. This isn’t just a football game—it’s another sign that the future of sports broadcasting is rapidly changing.
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