Netflix’s first major live sports broadcast, featuring Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, faced widespread technical issues, frustrating thousands of viewers and sparking concerns over the streaming platform’s ability to handle future high-profile events, including NFL broadcasts.
According to Down Detector, the November 15, 2024 event that pitted social media star Jake Paul against 58-year-old Tyson was plagued by streaming glitches reported by roughly 85,000 viewers. Reports of buffering, resolution drops to 480p, and complete service interruptions flooded social media, leaving viewers disappointed and doubting Netflix’s preparedness for live sports.
Many users took to social platforms to voice their frustration, including sports radio host Randy Baumann, who humorously envisioned a chaotic holiday scene if Netflix’s service failed during its planned Christmas Day NFL broadcast. Viewers shared similar concerns, posting memes and warnings that echoed potential fallout if Netflix’s issues persisted.
OutKick founder Clay Travis expressed skepticism about Netflix’s ability to support a larger, more dedicated football audience, particularly for the upcoming NFL games featuring popular teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Netflix responded to subscriber frustrations with a lighthearted statement on Instagram, suggesting that the boxing event’s massive popularity caused technical issues, even straining their buffering systems. This comment positioned the streaming troubles as a byproduct of success, implying that the event’s overwhelming demand contributed to the system’s hiccups.
A media outlet reported that CTO Elizabeth Stone sent an internal email to employees acknowledging the unprecedented scale of the event, which created substantial technical challenges. She praised the launch team for prioritizing stream stability for most viewers, though she recognized the negative experiences some subscribers faced and admitted there was room for improvement. Stone ultimately described the event as a major success despite the technical issues.
Howard Stern, Sirius XM host, warned that Netflix could face severe backlash if similar problems arise during its highly anticipated NFL games, emphasizing that fans would react strongly if their viewing experience were compromised.
SPOILER ALERT: The Paul-Tyson fight ultimately ended in a unanimous decision in Paul’s favor. Per boxing regulations, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation suspended both fighters as part of a required post-match rest period. During the match, Tyson landed only 18 of 97 punches, with just four connecting to Paul’s torso, highlighting the physical challenge of the fight for the former champion.
The streaming incident raises concerns as Netflix prepares for its first NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day, a high-stakes event for which the company reportedly paid $150 million. The games feature Super Bowl LVII champions Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Houston Texans against the Baltimore Ravens. Many users are concerned that Netflix’s infrastructure may not yet be equipped for the massive influx of viewers expected during the holiday NFL broadcasts.
Despite the setback, industry analysts have pointed out that Netflix’s high viewership during the boxing match suggests strong interest in its live sports offerings. Jason Helfstein, an Oppenheimer analyst, commented that the viewership likely exceeded internal expectations, noting it as a “high quality problem” that could be addressed before the NFL games. Netflix’s stock reflected market optimism, rebounding over 2% on Monday following initial declines.
Netflix, with its 280 million global subscribers, plans to expand its live sports portfolio, including WWE “Raw” broadcasts, in early 2025. The Paul-Tyson match serves as a critical test of its live-streaming infrastructure. The platform’s ability to address technical issues in time for its Christmas NFL broadcasts could determine its future as a live sports broadcaster and shape its reputation in a competitive market.