Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) is said to be considering livestreaming boxing, with the company having discussed a couple of potential options, according to a report by the WSJ on Friday.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the WSJ said the streaming giant has looked at the potential to stream a fight featuring boxer and YouTube influencer Jake Paul, who currently has a deal with sports streaming network DAZN.
They have also discussed a potential bout between boxers from Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) stable, which includes starts such as Canelo Alvarez. PBC bouts have been on Showtime, but Showtime Sports said it would be shutting down at the end of 2023, and Paramount won't broadcast boxing.
It means PBC is looking for a new home. There have been reports that Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime and DAZN are also interested in showing the promotional banner's bouts.
If Netflix were to make a move in the market, it would mark a significant step into streaming live sports, something that the WSJ said has been debated for years.
Netflix will stream its first live sporting event on November 14, "The Netflix Cup," a golf tournament featuring athletes from its Formula One documentary, "Drive to Survive," and "Full Swing," its show following professional golfers.
The publication said its sources warned that discussions regarding streaming boxing are still in a very early stage and may not come to fruition.