Netflix has secured exclusive live broadcast rights to La Velada del Año, the massively popular streaming event created by Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos, for its 2027, 2028, and 2029 editions. The announcement marks a significant shift for the event, which has been a Twitch staple since its inception in 2021.
The seventh edition, set for 2027, will be the first not to air on Ibai's own Twitch channel. According to the streamer, Kick offered three times the amount for the rights, but economic details of the Netflix deal remain undisclosed.
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From Twitch to Netflix: A New Chapter for La Velada
La Velada del Año began in 2021 as a modest event in a Barcelona concert hall. Over the years, it has grown into a global phenomenon, breaking viewership records on Twitch. The 2022 and 2023 editions set records for the most viewers on a single Twitch channel, and by 2025, the event had its own category on the platform.
The move to Netflix represents a strategic pivot. While Twitch remains the home of live streaming culture, Netflix offers a different kind of reach—one that is more curated but potentially broader in terms of mainstream audience. The platform has been experimenting with live events, and La Velada could be a cornerstone of that strategy.
Viewership Growth and Challenges
La Velada's audience has grown substantially. From nearly one million average viewers in 2021 to over six million in 2026, the event has demonstrated sustained growth, though the most recent edition saw a slight decline. The 2025 edition peaked at 9.3 million concurrent viewers, a testament to its drawing power.
Netflix's global subscriber base, which exceeds 260 million, presents a new opportunity for expansion. However, it also poses a challenge: Netflix's concurrent viewership for live events is typically lower than that of free platforms like Twitch. The exclusivity could limit accessibility for some fans, but it may also attract a new audience.
The Business Behind the Event
Velaris-Kena Productions, the company through which Ibai organizes La Velada, reported revenues of €11.7 million in 2025 and a net profit of €1.7 million. This is a significant increase from 2024, when the company's revenue was only €208,000. The event has become a lucrative venture, and the Netflix deal is likely to further boost its financial profile.
While the exact terms of the deal are unknown, the fact that Kick offered triple suggests that Netflix made a competitive bid. The streaming giant is clearly willing to invest in exclusive content that can drive subscriptions and engagement.
What This Means for the Streaming Landscape
The partnership between Ibai and Netflix signals a growing trend of traditional streaming platforms investing in creator-led live events. It also highlights the increasing value of top-tier streamers as content creators and business partners. The background to this story is set out in Ibai Llanos' Housing Crisis Stance: A Masterclass in Vague Commentary. A related thread runs through Netflix vs BBC: UK Viewers Choose Streaming or Broadcast. Earlier coverage in Trending: latest articles shows how the argument developed.
For Twitch, losing La Velada is a blow. The platform has been the primary home for the event, and its absence may affect viewership numbers. However, Twitch still hosts numerous other events and remains a key player in the live streaming space. A closer look at the same subject appears in Madrid's Puerta del Sol Camp: Almeida's Census Demand Ignites Debate. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Wari and Nazca: Four Mummies Challenge Conquest Theory. The same theme surfaces in RTVE Pays €7,260 to Cull Wild Rabbits at Las Rozas-Majadahonda, which takes a different angle.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix will exclusively broadcast La Velada del Año in 2027, 2028, and 2029.
- The event will no longer air on Ibai's Twitch channel, ending a six-year run.
- Kick reportedly offered three times more but was outbid by Netflix.
- La Velada's viewership peaked at 9.3 million concurrent viewers in 2025.
- The event generated €11.7 million in revenue in 2025, a massive jump from 2024.
Comparing Platforms: Twitch vs. Netflix vs. Kick
| Platform | Reach | Live Event Experience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitch | Global, free access | Interactive chat, community-driven | Subscriptions, ads, bits |
| Netflix | 260M+ subscribers, paywall | Polished production, no chat | Subscription-based |
| Kick | Growing, free access | Creator-friendly, less restrictive | Subscriptions, ads |
The table illustrates the trade-offs. Twitch offers community engagement and free access, Netflix provides a premium viewing experience and massive subscriber base, and Kick is emerging as a creator-centric alternative. Ibai's choice of Netflix suggests a focus on production quality and mainstream legitimacy over raw viewership numbers. Context on how this played out before sits in Why You Forget Every TV Show You Watch: The Netflix Effect. A companion piece, Ibai's La Velada del Año Goes Exclusive to Netflix Through 2029, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
Why did Ibai choose Netflix over Kick?
While Kick offered three times the money, Ibai has not disclosed his reasons. It is likely that Netflix's global reach and prestige played a role, along with the potential for a more polished production. The decision aligns with his goal of growing the event beyond streaming platforms.
Will La Velada still be free to watch?
No, viewers will need a Netflix subscription to watch La Velada from 2027 onward. This is a departure from the free access on Twitch, which may affect some fans. However, Netflix often offers free trials and mobile-only plans in some regions.
What happens to the Twitch channel?
Ibai's Twitch channel will continue to operate for his regular streams, but La Velada will no longer be broadcast there. The channel remains one of the most followed on Twitch, and Ibai is expected to maintain his presence on the platform.
How has La Velada's viewership evolved?
Average viewership grew from about one million in 2021 to over six million in 2026. The 2025 edition peaked at 9.3 million concurrent viewers, the highest to date. The 2026 edition saw a slight decline, but the overall trend has been upward.
The Netflix deal marks a new era for La Velada del Año. It will be interesting to see how the event adapts to a subscription-based platform and whether it can maintain its cultural impact. For Ibai, it is a bold move that could redefine his legacy as a creator and entrepreneur.
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