49ers top Rams in Melbourne game, 18.5 million viewers on Netflix

The San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game on September 11 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game averaged 18.5 million viewers in the U.S. on Netflix, peaking at 21.3 million viewers during a specific timeframe. Despite this significant viewership, it signals potential limits in the NFL's efforts to grow its audience, especially since last year’s comparable game drew a larger audience and was free to watch. The NFL’s Kickoff game earlier this season also saw a drop in viewer numbers, marking the lowest audience for an opener since 2022. As streaming and international games continue to impact traditional viewership, the NFL's strategy may come under scrutiny.

• 10:00 PMYahoo Sports — NFL’s sluggish 2026 start continues as Melbourne game averages 18.5 million viewers on Netflix