• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Netflix Exec Calls Tyson-Paul Stream ‘Huge Success’ Despite ‘Technical Challenges’

A Netflix exec acknowledged the issues viewers faced while watching Friday’s Jake Paul–Mike Tyson fight in a memo to employees.

Nov 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, UNITED STATES; Mike Tyson (black gloves) fights Jake Paul (silver gloves) at AT&T Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Netflix isn’t ignoring the heat it took during Friday’s Jake Paul–Mike Tyson fight. But despite the technical glitches, a company executive called the live event a big win for the streamer. 

The fight, which at its peak drew 65 million viewers, according to Netflix, drew thousands of complaints on the stream quality, resulting in buffering, frozen screens, and connection issues. The website Downdetector, which helps users identify connectivity issues, reported more than 100,000 complaints during the broadcast, according to Bloomberg. Paul beat Tyson, who is 31 years his senior, by unanimous decision in the bout, which didn’t quite meet the massive hype leading up to the fight. 

In a memo to employees, Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone acknowledged the streaming hitches. 

“This unprecedented scale created many technical challenges, which the launch team tackled brilliantly by prioritizing stability of the stream for the majority of viewers,” Stone said in the memo, reported by Bloomberg. “I’m sure many of you have seen the chatter in the press and on social media about the quality issues. We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members, and know we have room for improvement, but still consider this event a huge success.”

Netflix’s streaming issues raised questions over whether the company can handle the two NFL games it will stream on Christmas Day. The Tyson-Paul fight was one of the most highly viewed events in the streamer’s history and the two games will likely draw even more eyeballs. On Sunday, Netflix announced Beyoncé will perform at halftime of the Ravens-Texans game on Christmas, which will be played in Houston, from where the pop star hails. 

A year ago, Netflix had streaming issues during the season finale of the popular reality dating show Love Is Blind, which prevented viewers from seeing the live reunion following the conclusion of the season. A recorded reunion wound up airing much later than its scheduled time, which the company apologized for on its next earnings call

Many viewers of the Paul-Tyson fight were livid and made it known online. One Reddit user said, “Everyone who bought a Netflix subscription should demand a refund.” Another posted: “Lol they knew the traffic levels but can’t manage. How are they going to handle Christmas day games?”

Netflix also has a streaming deal with World Wrestling Entertainment that will start Jan. 6, 2025, which could prove to be another test for how it handles large audiences without compromising streaming quality. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.
Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
July 8, 2025

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.
Paige Bueckers
exclusive
July 8, 2025

Women’s March Madness Expansion Wouldn’t Yield More ESPN Money

ESPN is not required to pay extra if women’s March Madness expands.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) heads the ball in front of United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson (11) in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium.
July 7, 2025

USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

The U.S. team’s recent issues culminated in a loss to Mexico.
July 2, 2025

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
Leo Messi
June 27, 2025

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.