Tyson vs Paul could be the most watched US sporting event in history: Netflix is changing the game – techAU – Easy Method

In the next 24 hours, the highly anticipated showdown between boxing legend Mike Tyson and internet sensation turned fighter Jake Paul is set to rewrite the playbook for sports broadcasting.

Given the large audiences of each fighter, and lots of promotion, this has the potential to be one of the highest viewed sporting events in US history.

The total size of the bag is not clear, but Netflix is paying the bill and from recent interviews, we understand Paul at least is expecting an 8-figure payday and it’s safe to assume Tyson would as well. What’s in it for Netflix? They will be hoping this helps retain existing subscribers, while also drawing in new subscribers that will stick around over the long-term.

This event could challenge records as the most-watched sporting spectacle in U.S. history. Here’s why this fight is poised to be a cultural and viewership milestone.

A Paradigm Shift: From Pay-Per-View to Streaming

Traditionally, high-profile boxing matches have relied on the pay-per-view (PPV) model to generate revenue. Fights like Mayweather vs. McGregor in 2017 commanded PPV prices upwards of $100, drawing millions of buyers. However, Netflix’s decision to offer Tyson vs. Paul as part of its subscription service is a groundbreaking departure.

This strategy eliminates the high entry cost for viewers, making the event accessible to Netflix’s massive global subscriber base, now exceeding 247 million as of Q3 2024.

Streaming this fight on Netflix aligns with the platform’s strategy to diversify its offerings and capitalize on the sports entertainment market. By including live events alongside blockbuster series like Wednesday (252.1 million views) and sports documentaries, Netflix ensures maximum exposure and engagement for its subscribers.

How to watch the fight

If you plan on watching the fight, all you need is a Netflix subscription, and to know when the fight is on, the following list shows what time you’ll need to watch to see the action.

• Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM, November 15, 2024
• Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM, November 15, 2024
• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 1:00 AM, November 16, 2024
• Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT): 12:00 PM, November 16, 2024
• India Standard Time (IST): 6:30 AM, November 16, 2024

Of course if you’re not already a Netflix subscriber, you could subscribe for a month, then cancel if you’re desperate to watch the event.

To get fans excited about the event, Netflix has been releasing episodes of ‘Countdown: Paul vs Tyson’ on Netflix.

Record-Breaking Potential

To date, the Super Bowl reigns supreme as the most-watched U.S. sporting event, with 115.1 million viewers tuning in to Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

Netflix’s global reach and the fight’s massive appeal could eclipse even these numbers. Jake Paul’s influencer status, combined with Mike Tyson’s legendary reputation, creates a unique crossover audience of boxing fans and younger, digitally-savvy viewers.

Netflix has also been building its momentum in live events, recently showcasing sports series like Quarterback and gearing up for broader sports coverage. These strategic efforts set the stage for Tyson vs. Paul to become a watershed moment for streaming live sports.

The most-watched sporting event in history is widely considered to be the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing, China. This event reportedly drew an astonishing global audience of around 2 billion people.

Broader Implications for Sports Broadcasting

The success of Tyson vs. Paul could signal a shift in how major sports events are delivered. By bringing this bout to Netflix, traditional PPV broadcasters face a direct challenge to their dominance. Moreover, advertisers will be closely monitoring the event, as Netflix’s ad-supported subscription tier introduces a fresh dynamic for sports marketing.

If this event proves successful, it could pave the way for more high-profile sports content to migrate to streaming platforms, reshaping the industry.

A Night to Remember

As the countdown begins for Tyson vs. Paul, all eyes are on Netflix. Whether or not it becomes the most-watched U.S. sporting event in history, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the future of sports broadcasting.

Head to Netflix.com from any of their widely supported devices and yes, you’ll want to watch this on in 4K (requires Premium plan).