This isn’t the first instance of Netflix encountering problems with live streaming. Last year, the platform issued an apology following a widely publicized delay in the livestream of its popular dating show, the Love is Blind reunion, due to a technical glitch. While the exact cause of that delay remained unclear, the streaming giant expressed that it was “incredibly sorry.”
No explanation has been provided for the recent issues, but tech reporter Chris Stokel-Walker noted that the immense demand to view the fight was “Netflix’s undoing.” He stated, “Netflix has successfully conducted live broadcasts in the past. However, what sets this apart is the immense hype surrounding this fight.
There was a significant number of viewers eager to watch, considering the personalities involved—Jake Paul with his massive following and Mike Tyson making a ring return after decades. Even those who aren’t avid boxing fans wanted to tune in due to the extensive media coverage. This led to a demand that far exceeded what is typical for live events, such as a comedy special or the live golf tournament they had previously aired.”
Mr. Stokel-Walker emphasized that as Netflix aims to expand into more live sports in the future, including a new partnership with WWE starting next year, it “needs to resolve these issues.” He remarked, “They must anticipate that entering this arena means adapting to a high volume of viewers.” He added, “The Tyson vs. Paul fight was one of the most prominent live events they’ve hosted, so this situation is far from ideal. People will be watching and questioning whether they can handle it.” Additional reporting by Emma Pengelly.
