ESPN Cuts Pelissero—He Just Landed a Massive Netflix & Ringer Deal
Tom Pelissero Joins Netflix: What This Means for NFL Fans
Quick Summary: Former NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero has a new home at Netflix! After leaving ESPN, he’ll be a sideline reporter for Netflix’s NFL games this season, plus host podcasts and shows.
Who Is Tom Pelissero?
Think of Tom Pelissero as a super-connected NFL reporter. He used to work for NFL Network (the league’s own TV channel) where he:
- Broke big news about trades, signings, and injuries
- Appeared on TV shows to explain what’s happening around the league
- Built relationships with coaches, players, and team executives
What Happened at ESPN?
Last month, ESPN (the big sports network owned by Disney) had a major round of layoffs. This means they let go of many on-air personalities to save money. Pelissero was one of the talented people affected.
Important Point: Getting laid off doesn’t mean someone did a bad job. It’s usually a business decision about budgets and strategy.
Netflix Steps In: The New Opportunity
Netflix — yes, the same place you watch Stranger Things and The Crown — is getting into live sports. They snapped up Pelissero quickly. Here’s his new role:
His Main Job: Sideline Reporter for 5 NFL Games
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Role | Sideline reporter (the person on the field interviewing coaches/players during games) |
| Games | 5 exclusive NFL games on Netflix this season |
| First Game | Week 1: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers in Australia! |
Bonus Gigs: Podcasts & Shows
- Co-host of The Ringer NFL Show (popular football podcast)
- Weekly contributor to The Bill Simmons Podcast (one of the biggest sports podcasts)
Fun Connection: The Ringer (founded by Bill Simmons) is owned by Spotify, but Netflix has a deal to show video versions of some Ringer podcasts exclusively. So you can watch the podcasts on Netflix!
The Netflix NFL Dream Team
Pelissero isn’t alone. Netflix built a whole broadcast crew:
| Role | Person | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Play-by-play | Noah Eagle | Describes every play as it happens ("He throws… caught! Touchdown!") |
| Color commentator | Luke Kuechly | Former NFL star linebacker who explains why plays work |
| Sideline reporter | MJ Acosta-Ruiz | Reports from the field (injuries, coach reactions, weather) |
| Sideline reporter | Tom Pelissero | NEW HIRE — brings insider news & connections |
| Studio host | Elle Duncan | Hosts pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows |
Why This Matters: Netflix’s Big Sports Push
Netflix is spending big money to enter live sports. Here’s the timeline:
- 2023 — Netflix airs The Netflix Cup (golf) and Netflix Slam (tennis)
- 2024 — Netflix lands WWE Raw (weekly wrestling) starting 2025 ($5B+ deal)
- 2025 — Netflix gets 2 NFL Christmas Day games (Chiefs vs. Steelers, Ravens vs. Texans)
- 2026 — Netflix expands to 5 NFL games + hires top talent like Pelissero & Duncan
Key Takeaway: Netflix wants to be your one-stop shop for entertainment — movies, shows, and live sports.
What This Means for You (The Fan)
Good News
- More ways to watch NFL — if you already have Netflix, no extra subscription needed for these games
- Fresh voices — Pelissero, Kuechly, Eagle bring new energy
- Insider access — Pelissero’s connections mean better behind-the-scenes stories
Things to Know
- Only 5 games on Netflix this season (not every game)
- You still need other services (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, Prime Video) for the rest
- Games are live — so you watch at kickoff time, not on-demand later
Summary
- Tom Pelissero, a top NFL insider, left ESPN after layoffs and joined Netflix.
- He’ll be a sideline reporter for 5 Netflix NFL games, starting with Rams vs. 49ers in Australia.
- He’ll also co-host podcasts with The Ringer and Bill Simmons.
- Netflix is building a star-studded NFL crew (Eagle, Kuechly, Acosta-Ruiz, Duncan, Pelissero).
- This is part of Netflix’s big push into live sports — making it a stronger competitor to traditional sports networks.
FAQ
Do I need to pay extra to watch NFL games on Netflix?
Nope! If you have a standard Netflix subscription, the NFL games are included at no extra cost.
How many NFL games will Netflix show this season?
Five games total. The schedule includes the Week 1 Australia game plus four others (dates/teams announced separately).
Can I watch these games on-demand later?
Usually not. Live sports on Netflix are streamed live only — like regular TV. Check Netflix later for highlights or condensed replays.
Who is Luke Kuechly and why is he a color commentator?
Luke Kuechly was an All-Pro linebacker for the Carolina Panthers (2012–2019). He retired young and is known for his football IQ — perfect for explaining strategy during games.
Will Netflix get more NFL games in the future?
Very likely. Netflix has shown they’re willing to spend big on live sports (WWE, NFL Christmas games). Expect them to bid for more rights when NFL TV contracts come up for renewal.
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