August 28, 2024 – 7:13 AM PDT
(Reuters) – Netflix (NFLX.O) said on Wednesday it will launch a sports series titled “Starting 5” that will showcase behind-the-scenes moments from the National Basketball Association games’ 2023-2024 season.
Streaming services have been increasingly investing in sports content to drive up viewership and advertising revenue.
Netflix signed new content deals with World Wrestling Entertainment and National Football League this year, expanding its sports slate with live programming.
The new series will be divided in 10 parts and follow popular NBA stars Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum.
Set to premiere on Oct. 9, the series will be produced by James’ digital media company, Uninterrupted, in association with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.
Netflix has had success with behind-the-scenes shows, such as the ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ documentary series that fueled the sport’s global popularity.
Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas