Netflix Launches New Sports Series: “Starting 5”

(Reuters) – Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) announced on Wednesday the launch of a new sports series titled “Starting 5”, which will provide behind-the-scenes moments from the National Basketball Association (NBA) games during the 2023-2024 season.

As streaming services increasingly invest in sports content to enhance viewership and increase advertising revenue, Netflix is following suit with this new initiative. Earlier this year, Netflix secured new content deals with World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE:TKO) and the National Football League, expanding its sports programming with live events.

The “Starting 5” series will consist of 10 episodes and will feature popular NBA stars Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum.

Scheduled to premiere on October 9, the series will be produced by LeBron James’ digital media company, Uninterrupted, in collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.

Netflix previously found success with behind-the-scenes shows like “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”, which significantly boosted the global popularity of the sport.