Netflix’s recent foray into the world of live sports has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about its potential future in the industry. The streaming giant’s successful broadcast of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson exhibition match, despite some technical hiccups, has opened doors to a wider range of possibilities, including a potential partnership with the UFC.
Dana White is asked about Netflix & the #PaulTyson event.pic.twitter.com/yXijuHgDvV
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 22, 2024
UFC President Dana White expressed his belief that Netflix’s late entry into the live sports arena was a missed opportunity, given its massive global reach. “I always thought that Netflix was crazy not to get into live sports sooner than they did,” White told Sports Business Journal. “Those guys truly have a global footprint. I think they’re late to the game. It was a big success.”
While the Paul vs. Tyson fight experienced some technical difficulties, particularly during peak viewing hours, White remained optimistic about Netflix’s future in live sports. He attributed the issues to the sheer volume of concurrent viewers, which exceeded expectations. “They knew Mike Tyson was going to bring in big numbers,” White explained. “Mike Tyson was going to pull a big number and this was a good test for them before they start airing the NFL.”
As Netflix prepares to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day and partner with WWE in 2025, the UFC’s upcoming broadcast rights negotiations in 2025 present an intriguing opportunity for the streaming giant. White acknowledged the potential for a partnership, while also highlighting the strong relationship UFC has built with ESPN and Disney.
“We’re the biggest pay-per-view provider on the planet,” White said. “I think we’re going to do very well going into this next deal. […] I don’t know how that’s going to play out as we get closer to getting into these negotiations, but it is a possibility.”
A potential partnership between Netflix and UFC could revolutionize the way combat sports are consumed. Netflix’s global platform and innovative production capabilities could elevate UFC’s brand and reach new audiences. However, the technical challenges experienced during the Paul vs. Tyson fight serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure and seamless delivery.
As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s growing interest in live sports has the potential to reshape the industry. The coming years will undoubtedly bring exciting developments and new opportunities for both Netflix and the UFC.
