Netflix Crashes the NFL's Holiday Party 🤑🎅

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

The Bears wasted no time in naming Caleb Williams QB1, Austin Rivers thinks 30 current NBA players could play in the NFL, the 2024 schedule release is almost here, and we've got a deep dive on the NFL Players Association licensing program.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• The Chiefs will host the Ravens in the 2024 Thursday night season opener (ESPN)

• Bears' Caleb Williams named starting QB (CBS Sports)

• The Cowboys will have a ‘running back by committee’ in 2024 🙄 (PFF)

• Veteran OLB Bud Dupree signs with Los Angeles Chargers (ESPN)

• Veteran free agent WR Zay Jones reportedly signing with the Cardinals (Bleacher Report)

• Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew will compete to be QB1 in Indy 🤮 (Fox Sports)

• Bills trying out lacrosse star Zed Williams at linebacker in rookie minicamp (CBS Sports)

• HoF’er Jerry Rice was reportedly 'hot' over son's draft slide (NFL.com)

• Patriots and Eagles planning a joint practice this offseason (CBS Sports)

• Lions’ Terrion Arnold on lining up against his mom at WR, “If my mom was a receiver, I’d jam her into the dirt” 🤣 (Sports Illustrated)

• Netflix on verge of landing rights to NFL's Christmas doubleheader (CBS Sports)

• Bill Belichick will be a permanent fixture on ESPN’s ‘ManningCast’ in 2024 (Bleacher Report)

• Commanders have “no organizational comment” on Dan Quinn’s T-shirt with portion of old logo (PFF)

• Chiefs' Travis Kelce to act in FX horror TV show 'Grotesquerie' (Sports Illustrated)

• Austin Rivers says he can take '30 players in the NBA and throw them in the NFL' (Fox Sports)

• The 2024 NFL schedule release is set for May 15, get a sneak peek here

OPENING DRIVE REQUIRED READING

• Josh Kendall takes us inside Falcons rookie mini-camp for a look at how Michael Penix Jr. is already wowing teammates and coaches (can we please have a Falcons Hard Knocks this season?).

• Two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long shares his thoughts on the NFL-NBA crossover debate.

• Check out the top highlights from the Netflix Tom Brady roast (very NSFW).

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
Netflix. The landscape of live sports streaming is undergoing a seismic shift, with Netflix emerging as a formidable player in the market. The streaming giant, long known for its dominance in on-demand entertainment, is now setting its sights on the lucrative world of live sports coverage. After years of speculation, reports indicate that Netflix is in advanced negotiations with the NFL to secure the rights to stream the league's coveted Christmas Day games in 2024. This move would represent a significant departure from Netflix's traditional business model, as the company looks to diversify its offerings and capitalize on the growing demand for live sports content. The potential partnership between Netflix and the NFL would be a game-changer for both entities. For the streaming service, it would provide a unique opportunity to attract a new and engaged audience, while for the league, it would open up a new avenue for expanding its reach and monetizing its content. According to industry analysts, the Netflix-NFL deal could pave the way for the streaming platform to further expand its live sports portfolio, potentially securing rights to other high-profile events in the future. This would position Netflix as a legitimate competitor in a market long dominated by traditional media giants and dedicated sports streaming services. As the negotiations continue, the sports world awaits with bated breath to see if Netflix can pull off this bold move and solidify its place as a major player in the live sports streaming landscape. The potential implications of such a partnership are far-reaching and could reshape the way fans consume and engage with their favorite teams and leagues.

Who’s down?
Rashee Rice. The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a troubling situation with the recent off-field troubles of WR Rashee Rice. The young star, fresh off a breakout rookie season, finds himself at the center of a mounting controversy that threatens to overshadow the team's on-field success. According to reports, Rice is under investigation for an alleged assault incident that occurred just weeks after he was arrested for a high-speed car crash. The details of the assault case, as outlined in a police report, paint a concerning picture of Rice's conduct, with claims that he physically assaulted a photographer. This latest incident comes on the heels of Rice's previous legal troubles, which saw him facing charges for reckless driving and evading police. While the Chiefs have yet to comment publicly on the situation, the organization must be deeply concerned about the potential impact on the team's image and Rice's long-term future. As the investigation unfolds, Rice's status with the team remains uncertain. The Chiefs will likely need to navigate this delicate situation with utmost care, weighing the seriousness of the allegations against Rice's on-field value and the overall well-being of the franchise. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Rashee Rice saga has the potential to become a significant distraction. The Chiefs' leadership must address the matter head-on, making tough decisions that prioritize the team's integrity and the well-being of all involved. Let’s hope Rice can get the help he needs.

NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
A deep dive on NFLPA licensing deals

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) licensing program is a vital component of the league's overall revenue ecosystem. This intricate system governs the use of player names, likenesses, and other intellectual property, ensuring that the league and its players capitalize on the immense popularity of the sport. At the heart of the NFLPA licensing model is the requirement that all active NFL players sign a group licensing agreement. This contract grants the NFLPA the right to license player data and imagery for a variety of commercial applications, from video games and trading cards to merchandise and media partnerships. According to the NFLPA, the licensing program generates over $1.6 billion in annual revenue, a significant portion of which is distributed directly to the players. This revenue stream serves as a crucial supplement to the salaries and bonuses earned by NFL athletes, providing them with additional financial security. However, not all players are quick to sign on the dotted line. The recent case of Marvin Harrison Jr., the highly touted wide receiver prospect from Ohio State, has shone a spotlight on the complexities of the NFLPA licensing agreement. Harrison has yet to sign the NFLPA's licensing contract. This decision has drawn considerable attention, as it could potentially impact the marketing and commercial opportunities available to the young star during his rookie season and beyond. The NFLPA has long emphasized the importance of player participation in the licensing program, citing the collective bargaining power and revenue-sharing benefits it provides. As the league continues to explore new avenues for monetization, the NFLPA's licensing model will undoubtedly remain a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Did you know?

🏈 The NFLPA's licensing program accounts for over 50% of the organization's total revenue, underscoring its importance to the players' financial well-being.
🏈 The NFLPA has over 2,000 active player members who participate in the licensing program, allowing the organization to leverage their collective intellectual property.
🏈 In 2023, the NFLPA's licensing program generated more than $300 million in royalties, which are shared among the players through their group licensing agreement.
🏈 The NFLPA partners with over 80 licensees across various product categories, from video games and trading cards to apparel and memorabilia, demonstrating the breadth of the organization's commercial reach.

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