Netflix co-CEO claims missed advertising gold on Paul-Tyson fight

In a recent interview, Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, discussed the overwhelming viewership for the boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which took place on November 15, 2024. The fight attracted 109 million global viewers, leading to significant internet strain and performance issues for the streaming giant. The company stationed a control room in Silicon Valley to address these unprecedented internet demands during the event, showcasing the scale of interest and anticipation surrounding the fight. Sarandos emphasized the collaborative efforts of different Netflix teams—content, marketing, publicity, and social media—to promote the event effectively and achieve Super Bowl-like audience numbers. In the aftermath, Netflix is strategically planning for its forthcoming live sports events, including NFL games and WWE events, aiming to capitalize on the momentum generated by the boxing match. Sarandos suggested that while the NFL games, particularly with major artists like Beyoncé performing, might draw substantial viewership, the boxing match set a new benchmark for audience numbers. The Netflix executive acknowledged missed advertising revenue opportunities due to the fight's unexpectedly high viewership and stated that they would have ramped up sales if they had anticipated such demand. Additionally, Sarandos has indicated that Netflix looks to expand its portfolio by hosting more large-scale live events, not just sports. This change in direction aligns with their strategy to enhance content diversity and attract new subscribers. However, they must navigate past technological challenges, particularly buffering issues experienced during the boxing match, which have already led to at least one class-action lawsuit against the company. The goal for Netflix remains clear: to adjust and respond promptly to the growing interest in live event programming while ensuring a smooth user experience moving forward.