The NFL is seeking a media partner for its 2025 Week 1 game in Brazil. This high-profile matchup set for Friday, September 5, in São Paulo has drawn significant interest from major media companies.
Sources indicate YouTube TV, along with Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon, are actively bidding for the rights package. Some reports suggest YouTube TV holds an early advantage in the process.
This game marks the second consecutive season the NFL opens its schedule with a Friday night contest in Brazil. Last year's game featured the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.
The NFL is shopping a mini-package deal that centers on the Brazil game. This package may also include rights to other games without a predetermined media home during the 2025 season.
The Los Angeles Chargers will host the game in Brazil. The team's opponent remains officially unannounced, but the three-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs appear likely, adding value to the broadcast rights.
Acquiring these rights would mean a significant step for YouTube TV's NFL relationship. The platform currently holds the "Sunday Ticket" package, which provides access to out-of-market games broadcast on CBS and Fox but does not involve producing its own game feed. Warner Bros. Discovery has not carried NFL games since TNT's partial package ended in 1997.
Broadcasting from a location like São Paulo presents logistical challenges. Any winner without existing NFL production capabilities, such as YouTube TV or WBD, would need to quickly assemble or hire production and talent teams to cover the game.
Last year, the Brazil game drew 14.7 million viewers for its exclusive stream on Peacock. While NBC is guaranteed another Peacock exclusive game this season, it is not tied specifically to the Brazil matchup.
The opponent matters greatly for broadcasters. The Chargers' host duties mean their opponent will be one of their nine predetermined home opponents. The league expects the schedule release expected between May 13-15, around the same time as bidders YouTube and WBD hold their upfront presentations.
