Netflix Announces Live Tennis Match: Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz in The Netflix Slam
Netflix, the streaming giant, has unveiled plans for its next live sporting event, The Netflix Slam, featuring a high-stakes tennis match between 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The event is set to take place on March 3, 2024, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Netflix Slam: A Tennis Extravaganza
The Netflix Slam will not be limited to just the Nadal-Alcaraz showdown; it will also include other tennis matchups featuring players yet to be determined. This tennis extravaganza will be streamed globally in both English and Spanish, catering to fans worldwide. Notably, both Nadal and Alcaraz hail from Spain.
This marks Netflix’s second venture into in-house live sporting events, following The Netflix Cup held last month. The Netflix Cup featured a live golf exhibition match, blending PGA tour pros from the Netflix docuseries Full Swing with Formula 1 drivers showcased in Drive to Survive.
The Netflix Slam is part of Netflix’s strategy to transform popular country club sports into made-for-streaming events. While Netflix already has a tennis docuseries called Break Point, the upcoming event brings a live twist to the platform, featuring tennis stars not included in the first season.
Gabe Spitzer’s Excitement
Gabe Spitzer, VP of nonfiction sports for Netflix, expressed his excitement about The Netflix Slam, stating, “I’m thrilled that with The Netflix Slam, we can give our global audience an opportunity to watch two tennis greats battle each other in a one-of-a-kind live event.” He added, “A legend like Rafa and a champion like Carlos together on the court, along with tons of other action, promises to be a live show fans won’t want to miss.”
While Netflix has become a major player in the sports docuseries field with hits like Drive to Survive and Quarterback, it has not pursued major live sports rights. Instead, it seems to have opted for a strategy of producing its own in-house events, providing control over the content and opportunities for built-in sponsorships.
The Netflix Slam will be produced by Full Day Productions, the production company owned by Peter Chernin’s North Road. Full Day Productions has previously worked on The Netflix Cup and The ESPY Awards, showcasing its expertise in delivering top-notch sports content.
