The NFL has officially unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, headlined by a significant expansion of its broadcasting partnership with Netflix, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The new agreement includes five exclusive games, featuring a historic international matchup in Australia and a Christmas Day doubleheader.
Reacting to the details of the agreement via @RapSheet, Rapoport jokingly noted that the deal appeared to include an "ape to be named later." The comment is a humorous play on the "player to be named later" (PTBNL) terminology and likely refers to the complex digital rights or streaming assets involved in the Netflix contract, rather than a literal transaction.
The 2026 slate is highlighted by the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, marking the league's first-ever regular-season game in the country. Netflix will also hold exclusive rights to a Thanksgiving Eve game and two games on Christmas Day as part of the multi-year partnership expansion.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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