Netflix is making a major play for NFL fans, and the streaming giant just scored big. According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Netflix will broadcast the league's first-ever regular-season game from Australia in Week 1, featuring the Los Angeles Rams taking on the San Francisco 49ers. The game is set for Thursday, Sept. 10, with kickoff at 8:35 p.m. ET from the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground—Australia's largest stadium. NBC is expected to handle production, ensuring top-tier coverage for this historic matchup.

This move is a game-changer for Netflix, which has been eyeing a larger slice of the NFL broadcasting pie. The streamer already airs two Christmas Day games, but this expansion signals a deeper commitment to live sports. And it might not stop there. Puck's John Ourand reported that Netflix is "close to an NFL deal" that could also include a Thanksgiving Eve game, adding even more gridiron action to your holiday lineup.

The NFL has been exploring a Thanksgiving Eve game for months, and the Wall Street Journal previously hinted it was part of a four-game package Netflix was pursuing. This aligns perfectly with the league's push to expand its global footprint—Australia is a key market for the NFL's international ambitions. For Netflix, it's a chance to leverage its worldwide audience and deliver live sports to fans everywhere.

This news also reflects the NFL's strategy to increase its broadcast reach this season. Last year, about 87% of games aired on broadcast networks, and the league expects that number to rise slightly. While that might raise eyebrows among government officials probing the NFL's shift toward streaming, it's a win for fans who want more ways to watch. Whether you're gearing up for the season or just love the game, this is a thrilling time for football—and Netflix is ready to deliver.