Netflix has tried to acquire streaming rights to several sports leagues and events over the past few months, though none of its attempts have been successful.
The company recently made a bid for the ATP tennis circuit streaming rights for several European nations, including France and the U.K., but then withdrew. The streamer also discussed bids for several other events, including the U.K. rights to the Women’s Tennis Association and cycling competitions, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Earlier this year, Netflix made a bid for the live U.S. streaming rights to Formula One, but the Walt Disney Co. won, according to the news outlet.
The company also attempted to purchase rights to the World Surf League late last year, but negotiations failed because the two parties couldn’t agree on a price, the news outlet reports.
“Sports is the baseline now, we all know it, and finding the right properties, the right leagues is a priority, but it is always a question of the right league, the right deal,” a Netflix insider told Deadline.
The possible entry into sports by Netflix comes at a time when several of its streaming rivals have spent a lot of money to get access to important sporting events.
Amazon started an 11-year exclusive on NFL Thursday Night Football, and during the previous season, Apple TV+ and Peacock both secured exclusive windows for Major League Baseball. Even regional sports networks have started to close the digital divide, including Bally Sports+, a $20 per month streaming subscription aimed at sports fans offered by Diamond Sports.
Additionally, Apple and the Major Soccer League struck a 10-year streaming rights deal beginning in 2023.