When ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and the cable and satellite rights for NFL RedZone in January, the sports world speculated about the implications for well-known figures in sports media.
High-profile personalities like Ian Rapaport and Kyle Brandt retained their positions. However, others such as Tom Pelissero, Ryan Clark, Charles Davis, Stephania Bell, Damien Woody, Cam Newton, and Bart Scott were released during ESPN’s latest layoffs.
Tom Pelissero quickly found a new role as the football season approached. Netflix announced that Pelissero will join ‘Netflix Gameday’ as a sideline reporter and NFL insider. His duties begin with the 49ers versus Rams game in Week 1 in Melbourne.
Tom Pelissero will also co-host ‘The Ringer NFL Show’ and contribute across The Ringer’s NFL podcasts. His appearances will include a weekly spot on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast.’ The Ringer’s video podcasts are available on Netflix.
With its entry into live sports streaming, Netflix aims to establish itself as a significant player. Adding an experienced NFL insider like Pelissero strengthens its position.
Netflix plans to stream five NFL regular-season games to its 325 million paid subscribers in 2026, hoping to become a key destination for professional sports viewing.
The full 2026 Netflix NFL schedule is as follows:
- Week 1: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, 8:35 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 10
- Week 12: Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams, Thanksgiving Eve, 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 25
- Week 16: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET, Christmas Day Doubleheader, Friday, Dec. 25
- Week 16: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, 4:30 p.m. ET, Christmas Day Doubleheader, Friday, Dec. 25
- Week 18: TBD regular-season finale, 1 p.m. ET, Saturday, Jan. 9