NFL, Netflix Agree to Stream First Game in Australia: 49ers vs. Rams

The NFL plans to stream its first game ever in Australia despite federal scrutiny over its push into streaming services. The league and Netflix have reached an agreement to air the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10, 2026, according to The Athletic. A league source told OutKick the deal is not yet finalized but talks are heading in that direction.

The 2026 season kicks off the night before on NBC with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks facing an opponent to be named on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The NFL expects to release its full schedule later this month.

The 49ers-Rams matchup, an NFC West clash between top contenders, starts at 8:35 p.m. ET from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia's largest stadium.

This game adds to Netflix's role with the NFL. The streamer will televise a pair of Christmas Day games in December 2026 under a prior deal that also covers holiday matchups in 2024 and 2025.

More streaming deals could follow. The NFL wants to add a Thanksgiving eve game for 2026 for the first time, and Netflix or another service might land it as negotiations continue.

The league also eyes YouTube for games previously in ESPN's Monday Night doubleheaders. The NFL regained those second games in its deal where ESPN acquired NFL Network in exchange for the league's 10 percent stake in ESPN.

Federal agencies are watching these moves closely. The Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice are examining whether the NFL violates its antitrust exemption through its streaming partnerships.

NFL executives recently met FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's top advisors to discuss media distribution for live games and its benefits for fans and local broadcasters. Carr has said fans face too many costly streaming subscriptions to watch football.

Fox News and OutKick have reported the NFL will defend its exemption amid a Justice Department probe. Even so, league officials believe offering 88 percent of games free over the air justifies keeping the exemption.