Netflix Gears Up to Premiere Its First Live Sports Event: ‘The Netflix Cup’

On November 14th, Netflix debuts ‘The Netflix Cup’, a live face-off between stars from ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ and ‘Full Swing’


Netflix gears up for its maiden live sports event, “The Netflix Cup“, this fall. Athletes from the streaming giant’s hit sports series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing, are slated to compete. The event will witness Formula 1 drivers and PGA TOUR golfers partnering up for a match-play tournament at the renowned Wynn Golf Club, Las Vegas Strip’s sole 18-hole championship golf course.

This competition is set as a forerunner to the week-long celebration of the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. Fans can catch the live action on Netflix at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14th.

Competitors Line-Up:

Formula 1 Drivers: Alex Albon (Williams Racing), Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Team), Lando Norris (McLaren Racing), and Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari).

PGA TOUR Golfers: Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas.

In an exhilarating mix of motorsport and golf, four teams (each comprising one Formula 1 driver and one PGA TOUR golfer) will engage in an eight-hole match. The leading two teams will proceed to the decisive hole to vie for the esteemed Netflix Cup title.

The introduction of The Netflix Cup marks a seminal moment, highlighting two of Netflix’s successful sports series. Formula 1: Drive to Survive, currently filming its sixth season, has amplified the sport’s popularity in the US. Likewise, Full Swing’s latest season filming wraps up this year, with the series credited for a surge in PGA TOUR fan engagement.

At Netflix, Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of nonfiction Sports, commented, “Our sports series have significantly enhanced global sports fandom. The Netflix Cup aims to elevate this fervour, featuring global celebrities from two of our most-watched series in a pioneering live sports event.”

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., emphasized the pivotal role of Drive to Survive in expanding Formula 1’s American fan base, including a third American race. She added, “It’s apt to inaugurate our race weekend with an event that resonates with F1 and PGA TOUR enthusiasts worldwide.”

Norb Gambuzza, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “Through Full Swing and Drive to Survive, diverse audiences have deepened their knowledge about our sports. We’re thrilled to collaborate on this innovative venture with Netflix, Formula 1, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.”

Steve Weitman, President of Wynn Las Vegas, acknowledged the unique nature of the matchups that the Wynn Golf Club has hosted over the years, believing that The Netflix Cup will further enrich the course’s legacy.

Netflix continues to be a dominant force in sports narratives, showcasing series such as Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Full Swing, and others, with more sports-focused series in the pipeline.

The Netflix Cup, receiving endorsements from the PGA TOUR and Formula 1®, boasts a production team including Excel Sports Management, BZ Entertainment, and Full Day Productions, the creative minds behind the ESPY Awards, the Oscars Red Carpet Show, and the NFL Honors. 

Ragul Thangavel
Ragul Thangavel
Staff Writer

With over nine years of diverse professional experience, Ragul has made significant contributions across various domains, including Media Operations, OTT Technologies, Video Production, Ecommerce, and Social Media.

Holding an Engineering degree, Ragul's career took an unconventional turn when he discovered his passion for writing, leading him to begin his journey as a content writer.

His career has been exclusively dedicated to the growth and development of startups, where he has played a pivotal role. His unique blend of technical knowledge and creative prowess has enabled him to drive innovation and success in every venture he has been a part of.

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