Netflix Eyes Live TV Channels, Sports Bids to Counter Slowing Subscriber Growth
July 10, 2026
Internal discussions point to shifting away from a pure on-demand library toward live programming and bundles to lift time spent and completion rates.
Recent content trades with Apple, including Formula 1 and Drive to Survive, illustrate a broader collaboration-and-competition dynamic with Netflix.
To control costs and defend its position, Netflix is incorporating low-cost content, including short-form video from publishers.
Netflix stock slipped modestly in after-hours trading following the report, with about a 2% dip.
There is talk of moving away from founder-led simplicity toward a more expansive strategy amid competition from Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, and ad-supported services.
The wider market context includes rivals like Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, Tubi, and The Roku Channel shaping Netflix’s strategic choices.
Paramount milestones point to a clearer plan as Netflix releases quarterly results and an engagement update mid-July.
Interest persists in integrating Netflix content within Apple’s TV app to boost discovery, despite Netflix’s historic reluctance to surface its full catalog.
Netflix is piloting live programming in partnership with TF1 in France and evaluating selective live sports opportunities, including potential World Cup bidding for 2030 and 2034.
While exploring sports rights, Netflix is not pursuing full-season acquisitions but considering event-by-event bids, with World Cup interest in its sights.
In France, Netflix streams TF1’s linear programming and plans to roll this model to other regions as part of broader live or linear experiments.
Netflix is exploring live TV channels and bundled third-party apps to boost engagement as subscriber growth slows.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

Investing.com • Jul 9, 2026
Netflix weighs live channels, bundles as viewer engagement slips - WSJ
Digital Trends • Jul 10, 2026
Netflix is worried people aren’t watching enough so its next move could change the app forever
RTTNews • Jul 10, 2026
Netflix Explores Live TV And Bundles To Boost Viewer Engagement: WSJ Reports