Netflix is facing backlash after technical difficulties disrupted its live broadcast of the highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on November 15, 2024. The streaming giant now faces a class-action lawsuit filed in Florida by Ronald "Blue" Denton, who accuses Netflix of breach of contract. Denton alleges that he and thousands of others endured significant issues, including buffering, glitches and outright inability to access the event.
Held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the fight marked one of Netflix’s most ambitious live-streamed events, attracting a staggering 108 million global viewers. However, despite the impressive numbers, the stream was plagued by technical problems. According to Denton's lawsuit, issues began early in the evening, with many users unable to connect or facing constant interruptions during the undercard matches and the highly anticipated main event.
Even prominent personalities like Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy voiced their frustrations, and social media quickly lit up with complaints about the streaming quality. The situation worsened when microphones cut out during a segment featuring boxing legend Evander Holyfield and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, further tarnishing Netflix’s debut in live sports broadcasting.
In response, Netflix acknowledged the issues, citing the event’s unprecedented scale as a contributing factor. In a statement, the company admitted it has "room for improvement" but still framed the broadcast as a "huge success," pointing to its record-breaking global engagement. Despite the positive spin, the mishandling of the Tyson-Paul fight raises questions about Netflix’s readiness to handle live sports as it continues to expand into this competitive arena.
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