The $50M Streaming Sucker Punch: How 90,000 Viewers Are Suing Netflix Over Tyson v. Paul Boxing Match

Boxing Glove Representing Netflix Tyson vs Paul Fight Streaming Battle

Live sports streaming faces its biggest test as Netflix's handling of the Tyson-Paul match results in widespread technical failures affecting tens of thousands of viewers. The platform's ambitious entry into live sports broadcasting backfires with buffering issues and complete outages, leading to a $50 million class-action lawsuit that could reshape how streaming services approach major sporting events.

by
November 21, 2024

Netflix‘s streaming of the Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson fight broke viewership records but faced significant technical difficulties, leading to legal challenges and widespread user complaints.

Viewership Records

 The event achieved 65 million concurrent streams and 108 million total live viewers worldwide, breaking the previous streaming record of 23 million concurrent viewers. The fight generated $18.1 million in ticket sales at AT&T Stadium.

Technical Issues
  • Nearly 85,000 viewers reported problems with outages or streaming
  • Issues included buffering, poor image quality, and complete loss of access
  • Broadcast team experienced audio failures, with Evander Holyfield unable to hear presenter Kate Scott

Legal Action
  • Class-action lawsuit filed in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit Court by Ronald “Blue” Denton
  • Claims include breach of contract and deceptive trade practices
  • Lawsuit seeking more than $50 million in damages

Netflix’s Response
  • Initially had “nothing to comment on at this time“
  • CTO Elizabeth Stone called it a “huge success” while acknowledging “poor experience of some members”
  • Claimed they “worked quickly to stabilize viewing for the majority of members”

Future Impact

The streaming issues raise concerns for Netflix’s upcoming sports programming, including two NFL Christmas Day games and WWE “Raw” beginning January 6, 2025. The platform’s ability to handle large-scale live events will be tested with these upcoming broadcasts.

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