Netflix to Make Sports Content for the First Time

Online content giant Netflix will enter the world of sports for the first time – as they announced a six part exclusive documentary.

‘Last Chance U’ will follow college footballers aiming to break into the NFL. Netflix pitched the show as:

“Last Chance U follows a group of young men training to become the future stars of the NFL. The football players are the latest recruits to East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), an undefeated team with 3 National Championship wins over four years under their belt. The EMCC Lions have become a phenomenon in junior college sports, attracting elite athletes, some of whom have been held back by poor academic performance or behavioural issues. Under Coach Buddy Stephens, one of the most successful but least known athletic programs, EMCC graduates more than 20 players per year into football scholarships at four year universities, and nine of his former players currently play in the NFL.”

It confirms the suspicions of many in the sports broadcast industry, that Netflix have been eyeing up a move into one of the most lucrative markets – sport.

Rumours have circulated that the end game for Netflix may be sports rights acquisition, but this seems some way off yet.

In the meantime, they will expand on their increasing exclusive content offering, by taking a small step into the sports world.