Netflix faces difficulties with the Tyson vs. Paul bout; Beyoncé could make a big impact.
Don't provoke the Hive.
The recent live broadcast of the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on a streaming platform has left a bitter taste in the audience's mouth, and not because of the performance in the ring. Although the fight went as expected, with a stark contrast between youth and experience, the real disappointment came from the quality of Netflix's streaming, which, despite having hundreds of millions of subscribers, was unable to handle the massive volume of viewers. Reports indicate that up to 65 million users experienced connection issues, leading many to face distorted images and constant interruptions.
The event, which lasted a total of three hours and featured several preliminary fights, included notable bouts such as the boxing rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. Throughout the night, Netflix’s performance issues became evident, with interruptions and a service that at times resembled a 90s internet connection. This technical failure was widely discussed on social media, while Downdetector, a platform that monitors the performance of different services, reported thousands of complaints regarding the malfunction.
Despite the situation, Netflix stated that 60 million households tuned in to watch the showdown between Tyson and Paul, and that the event garnered similar numbers for the preliminary fights. However, the viewing experience was frustrating, raising questions about the platform's ability to handle live sports events, especially with Beyoncé's upcoming performance at Christmas for an NFL game, which is anticipated to draw a large audience.
As Netflix delves into the live sports space, it is crucial to improve its infrastructure to avoid a repeat of these inconveniences, as this could unleash the ire of fans, both of boxing and music. The pressure is mounting, and if the platform is not adequately prepared, it could face harsh criticism when millions gather to see Beyoncé. The company cannot afford a similar broadcasting failure and must ensure it has sufficient capacity to meet the demand of its growing audience for such events.
