Netflix rolls out 'podcasts to watch' with latest move into sports

Netflix is getting into the sports podcasting game.

The streamer this week rolled out its new “podcasts to watch” feature, which will offer top-rated shows like The Ringer’s Bill Simmons podcast, Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” and “The Ryen Russillo Show” on its platform.

The offerings come at no additional cost to subscribers but represent a new foray by the multibillion-dollar entertainment company into the world of sports, which it has invested heavily in during recent financial quarters.

Netflix reportedly agreed to pay Barstool $10 million per year as part of the deal, which comes on the heels of contract it signed with the NFL to broadcast games on Christmas Day, events that have reaped major ratings hauls for the company.

The company in recent weeks also struck a blockbuster deal with moviemaker Warner Brothers Discovery to acquire its sprawling entertainment studios and catalog of popular films and television shows.

The deal has raised antitrust concerns among lawmakers and led President Trump to weigh in on the company’s growing market share, saying last month Netflix’s aggression in the media space “could be a problem,” for his regulators to scrutinize.

The streaming giant‘s move into video broadcasting of podcasts is being widely seen as a direct salvo against YouTube, which hosts a number of popular sports programs and internet shows.