The NFL season is right around the corner, and many of the top streaming options for NFL games are gearing up for a big season. One new service in the NFL is Netflix; it has entered the NFL landscape and has now made a big move to land its own NFL reporter.
Netflix has agreed to a deal with Tom Pelissero to serve as its sideline reporter and NFL insider. This is a massive move for Netflix, as Pelissero was one of the top reporters for NFL Network before the layoffs claimed him as a victim.
However, this move raised an interesting question about Dianna Russini, and one NFL analyst is intent on not letting it go unanswered.
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John Frascella believes Pelissero’s move to Netflix is a great business move. “A GENIUS move by Tom Pelissero, Netflix & The Ringer here… this is a masterclass in professional business… Pelissero INCREASES his profile, being free of ESPN, because he was behind Schefter, Rapoport and around even with Garafolo… now Pelissero gets the prime spot, Top Dawg,” were Frascella’s remarks.
Frascella also brought up an interesting point when he added: “A very interesting day in the biz… now who takes Dianna Russini’s spot at The Athletic?”
A GENIUS move by Tom Pelissero, Netflix & The Ringer here… this is a masterclass in professional business… Pelissero INCREASES his profile, being free of ESPN, because he was behind Schefter, Rapoport and around even with Garafolo… now Pelissero gets the prime spot, Top Dawg…… https://t.co/gjOfukjO3w
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) August 17, 2026
The Athletic is known for its football coverage, and Russini was expected to be their top reporter for the 2026 season. However, with things going sideways after the controversy with Mike Vrabel, the publication will have to look for a fill-in for Russini’s spot.
Streaming services are slowly taking over the NFL as more and more games move to Netflix and Amazon Prime each season. Many top NFL personalities will be offered more money to join a streaming service than they currently get at NFL Network or ESPN.
Poaching these top reporters is a great way to lend credibility to the new NFL services, and Pelissero likely won’t be the last to make a bold move.
