The Rams and 49ers head Down Under as the league makes history. This massive 2026 clash marks a pivotal expansion of Netflix’s NFL relationship.
The NFL’s media footprint continues to expand with a new development including entertainment streaming giant Netflix.
The Week 1 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers is expected to be streamed on Netflix, which will bring the attention of a massive audience one of the league’s most emphasized initiatives: its international series.
For more on the game and streaming announcement, Rams Roundtable writer James Brizuela has more.
The game will be the fifth ever streamed by Netflix, and the first non-Christmas Day game to get the treatment.
With two massive markets in Los Angeles and San Francisco, this is sure to be a winner for both sides of the equation and could signal more expansive considerations around television (or OTT) rights offers the NFL may be developing.
Despite some team executives quietly challenging its impact, the NFL is intent on continuing to build its international strategy. This game, which is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, will be the first-ever NFL game played in Australia. Later in the year, the first game in Paris will also kickoff with the New Orleans Saints playing host.
The Rams are one of four teams, along with the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders, to hold marketing rights in Australia, via the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
Los Angeles also home rights in five additional areas: China, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the 49ers currently have footholds in Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates
Netflix is expected to also be in store to air games for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in 2026. Whether those air on the eve or days of the holiday, the streaming service continues to be an evolving partner in the NFL’s media rights future.