ESPN and Fox 'in talent war with Netflix and is REFUSING to lend reporters to streaming rival for Christmas Day double-header'

ESPN and Fox have become embroiled in a 'talent war' with Netflix as tensions between legacy TV and modern streaming platforms continues to rise.

Netflix are currently in the second year of their three-year deal with to show NFL games on Christmas, however, this year's program is at risk of being understaffed.

According to Front Office Sports, both ESPN and Fox are refusing to lend out their on-screen talent to the streaming giants for their festive fixtures. 

That means, as it stands, Netflix's coverage will be fronted by CBS Sports stars Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan. Noah Eagle of NBC Sports will also be involved.

It comes as a major blow for Netflix just six weeks out from the big day, where they will be showcasing Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings. 

Previously, ESPN had allowed Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes to join Netflix's broadcast team while Fox let Greg Olsen be part of the program. 

On top of this, there is also another snag in Netflix's plans.

The streaming giants had previously announced that Drew Brees - who was previously a TV free agent - would be part of their broadcast team on the day. 

However, following Mark Sanchez's sacking, Brees has subsequently signed on with Fox, leaving both parties in a sticky situation regarding the Christmas fixtures. 

Meanwhile, multiple sources spoke to Front Office Sports over the matter.

One source said: 'We pay our people so much money, we don't want them associated with other networks. 

'If Netflix or YouTube wants to hire somebody full-time, go for it. Or do what Amazon did and hire a full-time broadcast team. Otherwise, stay away from our talent.'

Meanwhile, an agent said: 'I'm obviously very pro-talent. But ESPN and Fox are saying to themselves, 'Why should we help our competitors by lending them talent?' 

'They make a significant long-term investment to lock down the best of the best. They commit to long-term deals worth millions of dollars. 

But they're supposed to let their people work for a competitor for a day? I'm pro-commerce and pro-talent but I don't get upset when they feel strongly about this.' 

Another agent told FOS about ESPN and Fox: 'They basically look at Netflix as a competitor now. They're not going to let their talent work for a competitor. 

'That's really what this is. There were a couple of exceptions last year. But this year they're saying, 'No way.' It's a blanket policy.' 

The news comes amid the ongoing dispute between Disney and Google, which continues to disrupt plans to watch live action on weekends.

YouTubeTV, the popular chord-cutting streaming service owned by Google, pulled every channel owned by Disney off their platform late at the end of last month.

Among those channels was ESPN and its affiliate channels, which has left millions sports fans in limbo ahead of a blockbuster slate of sporting action this month. 

Viewers without access to the network's jam-packed programming of NFL, NBA and college football and it has derailed their viewing over the past three weekends.

According to The Athletic, Google and Disney 'remain far apart' in their ongoing negotiations, which would see YouTube TV restore ESPN and ABC to their network.