The San Francisco 49ers will open their 2026 season in historic fashion, and just as notably, fans will be watching it in a new way—with Netflix taking center stage.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Netflix will carry the Week 1 matchup between the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, marking a significant shift in how the NFL distributes its biggest games.
The streaming giant’s involvement underscores the league’s continued push into digital platforms as viewing habits evolve.
ADVERTISEMENT
The game itself is already historic. San Francisco will face Los Angeles at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game played in Australia.
Kickoff is set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5:35 p.m. PT, which translates to Friday morning locally in Melbourne due to the 17-hour time difference.
NEWS 🏈: Netflix will have the Week 1 NFL Australia Game, The Athletic has learned. https://t.co/MDLBCnnSG2
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) May 7, 2026
More on 49ers vs. Rams on Netflix
While the international setting alone makes headlines, Netflix becoming the broadcast home adds another layer of intrigue. Traditionally dominated by networks like NBC and ESPN, the NFL is increasingly experimenting with streaming distribution.
This move signals that Netflix is now firmly part of that conversation, joining platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube in reshaping how fans consume live sports.
According to Marchand, production of the game is still expected to be handled by NBC, blending traditional broadcast expertise with Netflix’s global reach.
Beyond the broadcast, the event itself is a landmark moment for the NFL. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground—the largest stadium in Australia—places the sport on a global stage unlike anything in its history. It also reinforces the NFL’s broader initiative to grow the game worldwide.
In every sense, this opener represents a new era. From a groundbreaking international venue to Netflix stepping in as the broadcaster, the 49ers’ 2026 kickoff may be more than just a game: it could be a glimpse into the future of the NFL.
More NFL content from Sactown Sports
Upcoming 49ers & NFL Offseason Schedule
Mid-May 2026 (TBD) – NFL Schedule Release
May–June 2026 (TBD) – OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
June 2026 (TBD) – Mandatory Minicamps
Late July 2026 (TBD) – NFL Training Camps open
Thank you for readingSactownSports.com. Follow us onTwitterandGoogle News, and subscribe to ourYouTubechannel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Frankie Cartoscelli
Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports since 2017, including stops with the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento Republic FC. Career Milestones: Covering Kings basketball, Major League Baseball, NBA Summer League, NBA All-Star Games, and the NBA Playoffs. Areas of Expertise: On-air contributions, long and short-form stories for the website, reporting stories and breaking news, running social media for Sactown Sports 1140. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franklin-cartoscelli-175063158 Twitter/X: @FCartoscelli3