49ers vs. Rams in Australia to be broadcast on Netflix

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.

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

• Kyle Shanahan explains why the 49ers drafted RB Kaelon Black
• Ian Rapoport sheds light on 49ers-Aiyuk saga as trade talks stall
• Grant Cohn: Are the 49ers reaching too often in the Draft?
• ESPN’s Nick Wagoner breaks down 49ers’ controversial Draft decisions

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

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