Netflix hinted plans to host live boxing matches as the streaming platform seeks to expand its live event and sports content offerings under the banner of 'The Netflix Cup' on 14 November, the Wall Street Journal recently reported. The news was confirmed after the platform saw a spike in subscriber growth this past quarter. "Another play for Netflix to really expand its live sports coverage, but in a unique way, not the way that we're typically used to seeing," Yahoo Finance Entertainment Reporter Alexandra Canal said. "They are experimenting with more live events."
Netflix is exploring further testing the live sports programming waters with a boxing card headlined by Jake Paul and a separate show headlined by fighters from Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal. The development and potential venture from the streaming giant arrives after an Oct. 17 announcement declared that Showtime Sports would cease operations and end its 37-year run producing boxing shows. If Netflix wants to get into the sport of boxing, then bringing Jake Paul aboard as a partner might be worthwhile. The social media sensation is one of the biggest attractions in the sport today. His clash with former UFC star Nate Diaz earlier this year did close to 500,000 pay-per-view (PPV) buys, which is one of the biggest turnouts of the year.
"The Netflix Cup" is a tournament made up of a golf competition featuring athletes from its documentary series "Drive to Survive" and "Full Swing." Additionally, Netflix has discussed including a boxing match featuring YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The report also suggests the potential inclusion of fighters from Premier Boxing Champions, a program previously aired on Paramount's Showtime, featuring notable stars like middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, seeking a new platform after being dropped by Paramount.
"We know that they are going to be having a live celebrity golf tournament in less than two weeks, and so this report comes at the perfect time," Canal said. "Now, the strategy that I've mentioned has worked so far for Netflix, really taking those athletes, who have become stars within their shows, within their sport and docuseries, and then really utilizing that star power to help drive interest in these live events."
Netflix's executives have reportedly debated entering the sports broadcasting space for several years. However, the discussions are still in a very early stage, with no guarantee that Netflix will move forward with these plans. According to Canal, the platform has consistently reiterated that they're not really in the business of that because of the heavy costs associated with live sports content. Instead, it hopes to explore live events and these sports-centric shows. "I think that allows Netflix to dip their toe into the water when it comes to sports, really kind of assess and see the reaction from subscribers, from viewers, and then make more informed decisions from there," Canal said.
Paramount owns the Premier Boxing Champions, but the company has confirmed plans to shut down its Showtime sports division. "Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for Netflix to have that on the platform and potentially host this live boxing match as well," Canal states. "So again, just a report, nothing confirmed, but I do know that this is something that Netflix is really weighing as they look to differentiate themselves within the streaming wars more moving forward."
They are experimenting with more live events.” Alexandra Canal, Yahoo Finance Entertainment Reporter Netflix, Alexandra Canal, The Netflix Cup,
