Netflix has acquired the exclusive global streaming rights for the upcoming Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, a highly criticized exhibition event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 15-18. The move marks a significant expansion of Netflix’s live sports portfolio, bringing the controversial tournament to its 300+ million subscribers worldwide at no additional cost.
The Six Kings Slam: A Lavish and Contentious Event
The Six Kings Slam, now in its second edition, has drawn considerable attention and criticism due to its opulent financial incentives and its backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Each of the six participating top male players is guaranteed over £1 million simply for appearing, with the winner of last year’s edition, Jannik Sinner, earning $6 million for just three matches.
The tournament’s format, which remains largely unannounced, and its focus on exhibition matches rather than a traditional competitive structure have fueled much of the controversy. Prominent figures in the tennis world, such as Andy Murray, have previously dismissed the event, stating that “nobody cares” about it. Despite the skepticism, the event continues to attract elite talent and substantial investment.
Star-Studded Lineup Set for Riyadh
The 2025 Six Kings Slam promises a high-profile roster, with world number one Jannik Sinner returning to defend his title. He will be joined by five-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, record 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, three-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev, world number five Jack Draper, and 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz. The tournament will be held at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
IMG is slated to produce the host broadcast and content, employing over 20 advanced cameras, including wirecam, drone, and robotic technology, to offer “unparalleled access” and creative storytelling around the sport’s biggest stars.
Netflix’s Growing Ambitions in Live Sports
Securing the Six Kings Slam rights is the latest in a series of strategic moves by Netflix to broaden its presence in live sports. The streaming giant has been actively diversifying its content offerings beyond traditional scripted and documentary formats.
This venture follows other significant forays into live sports, including boxing, golf, WWE, and the NFL. Prior to this, Netflix also hosted “The Netflix Slam,” an exhibition tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas in March 2024. This move also comes after the cancellation of its tennis docu-series “Break Point” after two seasons, reportedly due to poor ratings and difficulties in gaining access to leading players.
Netflix’s increasing investment in live sporting events signals a clear strategy to engage a wider audience and enhance subscriber value through diverse and immediate content. The Six Kings Slam, with its blend of top-tier talent and inherent controversy, is poised to be a significant test of this evolving strategy.
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