Netflix announced its broadcast team for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams season opener, scheduled for September 10 in Melbourne, Australia, marking the first NFL game played in the country as part of the league’s International Series. The game will air exclusively on Netflix as part of its 2026 broadcast rights deal with the NFL, departing from the traditional Thursday Night Football format on Amazon Prime.
Netflix named former Super Bowl champions Nick Foles and Clay Matthews as studio analysts for pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage, joining Michael Irvin and Elle Duncan. The streamer also hired Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly as an in-game analyst, working alongside NBC’s Noah Eagle, who will serve as play-by-play commentator. Neither Foles nor Matthews has prior broadcast experience, though Netflix has previously hired retired NFL players such as Tony Romo and Tom Brady for similar roles.
The announcement follows Netflix’s decision to replace Kay Adams with Elle Duncan as lead studio host, a move that has drawn attention given Adams’ prior role in the position. Netflix had earlier named Duncan as the face of its sports division, but her selection as host for the Week 1 broadcast was not confirmed until Monday. The studio team will also include analysts Michael Irvin, Nick Foles, and Clay Matthews.
The 49ers vs. Rams game will be the first NFL contest played in Australia, a milestone for the league’s International Series. The matchup has generated significant buzz due to its location and the exclusive streaming arrangement with Netflix, which begins with the 2026 season. The game will air on September 10, coinciding with the NFL’s opening weekend.
Netflix’s broadcast team for the game reflects a blend of former players and media personalities, aiming to leverage their expertise and star power to enhance the viewing experience. The platform’s entry into NFL broadcasting represents a major shift in how the league’s games are distributed and consumed, particularly in international markets.
The 2026 NFL broadcast schedule includes additional games under Netflix’s deal, though specific matchups beyond Week 1 have not yet been announced. The platform’s involvement marks a new chapter in sports media, with implications for traditional broadcast networks and streaming services alike.