BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Netflix is under fire following technical glitches that marred its live broadcast of the highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024. A class-action lawsuit has been filed in Florida by Ronald “Blue” Denton, alleging breach of contract after thousands of viewers faced significant streaming issues, including buffering, disconnections, and outright inaccessibility.
The event, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was Netflix’s most ambitious live sports broadcast, drawing an impressive 108 million global viewers. However, many fans were left disappointed as disruptions began during the undercard matches and continued into the main event. Notable moments, such as a segment featuring boxing legend Evander Holyfield and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, were further marred by microphone failures.
Prominent voices, including Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy, publicly criticized Netflix, while social media platforms were flooded with complaints about the quality of the stream. Denton’s lawsuit highlights the frustration of fans who paid for a seamless experience but received a subpar broadcast instead.
In response, Netflix acknowledged the challenges, attributing the problems to the unprecedented scale of the event. While admitting “room for improvement,” the company celebrated the fight’s record-breaking engagement numbers as a testament to its potential in live sports broadcasting.
The incident raises questions about Netflix’s preparedness for live sports streaming, an increasingly competitive space as the platform seeks to diversify its offerings. The fallout from this botched event could shape how Netflix approaches future live broadcasts.
