By Kayla DeKraker
YouTube will stream the NFL Week 1 game in São Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 5 for free.
The event will be available almost globally, with the exclusion of Canada which has an existing streaming deal at that time.
“Last year, people spent over 350 million hours watching official NFL content on YouTube, so it’s both fitting and thrilling to continue to build our relationship with our partners at the NFL,” said Mary Ellen Coe, YouTube’s chief business officer, of the deal.
She added, “Streaming the Friday night game to fans for free around the world will mark YouTube’s first time as a live NFL broadcaster — and we’ll do it in a way that only YouTube can, with an interactive viewing experience and creators right at the center of the experience.”
This is a huge win for YouTube, since, out of 100 programs watched, the NFL accounts for 45 of them.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with YouTube to bring this year’s Brazil game to a worldwide audience,” added Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution. “YouTube and YouTube TV have been incredible partners of the NFL for several years and boast an immense global reach, and we look forward to Week 1 in São Paulo.”
Other streamers have found success through NFL partnerships.
Last year, Prime Video experienced growth thanks to streaming the leagues games. In September 2024, the platform experienced 12% growth due to THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, Nielsen reported. The outlet also noted that “NFL games accounted for 14 of the top 15 broadcast telecasts in September, with the top three garnering over 3 billion viewing minutes each on NBC, CBS and FOX.”
The upcoming Week 1 game will be held at Corinthians Arena. The Los Angeles Chargers will play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs’ Travis Kelce leaked the news, saying, “Yeah, we’re definitely playing in Brazil. I also heard those rumors.” He also commented that he is not looking forward to the heat. “There’s just something about getting closer to the equator that I don’t want to put on a football uniform doing that…If it’s humid, I’m going to be miserable.”
The full international schedule has also been announced.
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YouTube and Prime Video aren’t the only platforms who will benefit from NFL games this year. Netflix will also stream a Christmas game this year.
More updates about future games and where to watch can be found at NFL.com.
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