Netflix’s (NASDAQ:NFLX) live-sports ambitions might take a step forward with an initial move into broadcasting boxing.
The streamer’s approach to sports has traditionally been to resist high-priced live-streaming rights, and to instead commission docuseries that are “sports-adjacent,” such as racing program Formula 1: Drive to Survive and golf show Full Swing.
But that’s changing (slightly) Nov. 14, with plans to live-stream “The Netflix Cup,” a match-play golf tournament drawing participants from those two shows.
And now Netflix (NFLX) has discussed streaming a match featuring YouTube boxer Jake Paul, as well as a possible bout between Premier Boxing Champions fighters, the WSJ reported.
Talks are in very early stages, according to the report, but it could mark another small test for Netflix (NFLX) in considering whether it wants to invest at the high level seen from streamers including Apple (AAPL) and Amazon.com (AMZN), in higher-profile sports such as baseball and NFL football.
“We are in the sports business, but we’re in the part of the sports business that we bring the most value to, which is the drama of sport,” Netflix (NFLX) co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in the company’s recent earnings call, suggesting there was yet “no core change in our live-sports strategy, or licensing live sports.”
Netflix said to discuss live-streaming boxing match
- Advertisment - 