Look, everyone knows that we can't do anything until the UCLA situation is sorted on Dec 14. Now we can't do anything b/c all the networks take the last 2 weeks of the year off to party in St Barths. Wait, it's April already? I knew a girl named April once, I think she dated Wozniak for like 2 months at some point in the 90's. She was super hot, but she might have actually been on the wrong side of the Vicky Mendoza Diagonal. She told me that Wozniak was a cautious dude, and he instilled that spirit in Apple, so they take months and months to sign contracts.
I was going to make a thread about Apple and the MLS, but forgot after my doctor appointment yesterday. I'll just add it to this thread if you don't mind.
Rumors of slow subscription growth for MLS Season Pass make sense, but Apple won't care (yet)
Quote:If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies. If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies.
It's obviously really hard to take this tweet seriously on multiple levels, but I would honestly bet on that 40 percent number being very, very close to the truth. What I wouldn't bet on is Apple TV executives being "very worried" about that initial number.
There's more in the article looking at potential reasons that might be hurting the possible MLS subscription rates. But I also found it interesting that Apple has an opt-out clause based on the amount of subs.
(04-06-2023 01:33 PM)Alanda Wrote: [ -> ]I was going to make a thread about Apple and the MLS, but forgot after my doctor appointment yesterday. I'll just add it to this thread if you don't mind.
Rumors of slow subscription growth for MLS Season Pass make sense, but Apple won't care (yet)
Quote:If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies. If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies.
It's obviously really hard to take this tweet seriously on multiple levels, but I would honestly bet on that 40 percent number being very, very close to the truth. What I wouldn't bet on is Apple TV executives being "very worried" about that initial number.
There's more in the article looking at potential reasons that might be hurting the possible MLS subscription rates. But I also found it interesting that Apple has an opt-out clause based on the amount of subs.
Yup----Add those MLS concerns to the current market conditions and the fact that the Pac12 Network hasnt exactly taken the nation by storm---and you see why the idea that Apple is going to break the bank for a Pac12 deal might not be all that realistic.
(04-06-2023 01:01 PM)YNot Wrote: [ -> ] (04-06-2023 12:53 PM)johnbragg Wrote: [ -> ]So there may be substance to what we repeatedly hear about Apple moving very slowly in these negotiations, relative to a traditional TV network.
It's because they've never negotiated a sports TV deal before...oh wait....
Kliavkoff is like the 5th-grader with endless excuses for why he doesn't have his homework — and now he's about to get his report card
(04-06-2023 01:37 PM)Attackcoog Wrote: [ -> ]Yup----Add those MLS concerns to the current market conditions and the fact that the Pac12 Network hasnt exactly taken the nation by storm---and you see why the idea that Apple is going to break the bank for a Pac12 deal might not be all that realistic.
UT-Martin vs. Georgia in September might be less of a mismatch than a deal-seeking Kliavkoff walking into a room with Apple execs
Still think there is a 25% chance Apple buys out Disney in the next couple of years before Iger steps down again and obtains ABC and ESPN as a result in addition to the Disney parks, cruises, etc. And if that should happen, the entertainment and sports world will change forever.
Time will tell.
I have been known to be wrong.
Cheers,
Neil
I fully understand everybody who is scoffing at this as just another delaying tactic by Kliavkoff. I'm just trying to come up with a plausible explanation for why some school president hasn't hit the panic button and called Yormark yet. And "the Apple guys just take forever, be patient, the deal will get done and it's gonna be great" is a plausible reason for the PResidnet of Western State U to not make a move -- yet.
(04-06-2023 02:03 PM)OrangeDude Wrote: [ -> ]Still think there is a 25% chance Apple buys out Disney in the next couple of years before Iger steps down again and obtains ABC and ESPN as a result in addition to the Disney parks, cruises, etc. And if that should happen, the entertainment and sports world will change forever.
Time will tell.
I have been known to be wrong.
Cheers,
Neil
There's a guy that streams on Twitch that focuses on stock trading. In one of his Youtube shorts he thinks Apple buys ESPN. I don't think I agreed with his reasoning though.
(04-06-2023 02:06 PM)johnbragg Wrote: [ -> ]I fully understand everybody who is scoffing at this as just another delaying tactic by Kliavkoff. I'm just trying to come up with a plausible explanation for why some school president hasn't hit the panic button and called Yormark yet. And "the Apple guys just take forever, be patient, the deal will get done and it's gonna be great" is a plausible reason for the PResidnet of Western State U to not make a move -- yet.
At the same time, there should be some terms leaked... For me, it's not that the deal is taking so long as much as it is there have been no rumored terms outside of "Dude, just trust me". The Pac offices would want terms leaked if they were good. It would help the public pressure/PR for the league.
I think the Presidents have bought into an idea that a new bidder/offer might come into the picture. I don't think there is a true rush for the 4C schools, as long as they have a resolution by the beginning of the football season. The B12 will be waiting. B12 is not going to take more G-schools, and the ACC schools are not a threat to jump them right now. Even if Washington and Oregon goes to B12, the 4C will join them. It makes sense for the 4C to give the Pac the best shot possible at an adequate resolution.
(04-06-2023 01:40 PM)PeteTheChop Wrote: [ -> ] (04-06-2023 01:01 PM)YNot Wrote: [ -> ] (04-06-2023 12:53 PM)johnbragg Wrote: [ -> ]So there may be substance to what we repeatedly hear about Apple moving very slowly in these negotiations, relative to a traditional TV network.
It's because they've never negotiated a sports TV deal before...oh wait....
Kliavkoff is like the 5th-grader with endless excuses for why he doesn't have his homework — and now he's about to get his report card
Huskies ate his television deal?
(04-06-2023 02:06 PM)johnbragg Wrote: [ -> ]I fully understand everybody who is scoffing at this as just another delaying tactic by Kliavkoff. I'm just trying to come up with a plausible explanation for why some school president hasn't hit the panic button and called Yormark yet. And "the Apple guys just take forever, be patient, the deal will get done and it's gonna be great" is a plausible reason for the PResidnet of Western State U to not make a move -- yet.
Why has no one bailed for the B12 so far? Because last resorts go last.
There's never been anything to be gained at any point by delay for the sake of delay.
Some fans probably do things that way in their own homes, and that makes it easy for them to imagine. When they dread delivering some news—'Sorry, kids, I lost your college money betting on TCU versus Georgia'—they might drag their feet and hem and haw and delay the conversation. They then suppose conference commissioners act the same way with university presidents when negotiating multimillion-dollar media deals.
Uh, no.
The schedule fills up. There's plenty to do.
(04-06-2023 01:33 PM)Alanda Wrote: [ -> ]I was going to make a thread about Apple and the MLS, but forgot after my doctor appointment yesterday. I'll just add it to this thread if you don't mind.
Rumors of slow subscription growth for MLS Season Pass make sense, but Apple won't care (yet)
Quote:If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies. If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion.
The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.
But the tweet that triggered Monday's Twitter storm came from @MLSGoneWild, although it's not nearly as raunchy or Spring Break fueled as the namesake implies.
It's obviously really hard to take this tweet seriously on multiple levels, but I would honestly bet on that 40 percent number being very, very close to the truth. What I wouldn't bet on is Apple TV executives being "very worried" about that initial number.
There's more in the article looking at potential reasons that might be hurting the possible MLS subscription rates. But I also found it interesting that Apple has an opt-out clause based on the amount of subs.
I'm not sure what Apple was expecting with the MLS. Sure it is the American soccer league but it isn't even the most popular soccer league in this country. At best it's the 3rd most popular league (behind the Premier, Liga MX and possibly La Liga as well) and we're talking about a sport that is maybe as popular as Hockey.
It's like signing a G5 league and being surprised they don't put up P5 numbers.
Apple forced MLS to move almost all games to 730 local time on Saturday. I think its an odd strategy because the worst time for sports ratings tends to be Saturday night. If you go out at any time during the week for social event, it is usually on Saturday night. Plus, if you like MLS, all the games are at the same time. On Sundays I can watch 3 NFL games - 1pm, 4pm & 8pm. MLS just has 730 & I guess you can watch a west coast game at 1030. I suppose 730 is great for in stadium attendance, but it sucks for tv. MLS should have Saturday afternoon & Sunday afternoon games.
No surprise MLS on Apple is flopping. People just watch the EPL because they wanna see the best and its in English language. Its no different than places in Far East Asia who watch the EPL over than own local mediocre leagues. Why should MLS be any different when you dont have the best players/teams ? Not like its hard to find the EPL on tv/streaming.
(04-08-2023 06:57 PM)darkdragon99 Wrote: [ -> ]No surprise MLS on Apple is flopping. People just watch the EPL because they wanna see the best and its in English language. Its no different than places in Far East Asia who watch the EPL over than own local mediocre leagues. Why should MLS be any different when you dont have the best players/teams ? Not like its hard to find the EPL on tv/streaming.
Watching MLS is no different than choosing to watch Texas Southern over Houston or attending a UCLA basketball game instead of the Lakers or Clippers.
The EPL is great, if you live on the East Coast or work at home. Some games come on at 4:30AM PT on Saturday mornings. Some games come on at 2:30 ET on Tuesdays. Not ideal for most people.
There is also no real evidence that MLS on Apple is “flopping”. That is why streaming services are hard to figure. They don’t release their data.
(04-08-2023 07:21 PM)DoubleRSU Wrote: [ -> ] (04-08-2023 06:57 PM)darkdragon99 Wrote: [ -> ]No surprise MLS on Apple is flopping. People just watch the EPL because they wanna see the best and its in English language. Its no different than places in Far East Asia who watch the EPL over than own local mediocre leagues. Why should MLS be any different when you dont have the best players/teams ? Not like its hard to find the EPL on tv/streaming.
Watching MLS is no different than choosing to watch Texas Southern over Houston or attending a UCLA basketball game instead of the Lakers or Clippers.
The EPL is great, if you live on the East Coast or work at home. Some games come on at 4:30AM PT on Saturday mornings. Some games come on at 2:30 ET on Tuesdays. Not ideal for most people.
There is also no real evidence that MLS on Apple is “flopping”. That is why streaming services are hard to figure. They don’t release their data.
Americans will always love American sports more than international imports. Now if the EPL adds teams here, that could be a game changer. Typical EPL fan seems to a young man who strives to be different/unique - there aren't that many of these people.
(04-08-2023 10:44 AM)Section 200 Wrote: [ -> ]Apple forced MLS to move almost all games to 730 local time on Saturday. I think its an odd strategy because the worst time for sports ratings tends to be Saturday night. If you go out at any time during the week for social event, it is usually on Saturday night. Plus, if you like MLS, all the games are at the same time. On Sundays I can watch 3 NFL games - 1pm, 4pm & 8pm. MLS just has 730 & I guess you can watch a west coast game at 1030. I suppose 730 is great for in stadium attendance, but it sucks for tv. MLS should have Saturday afternoon & Sunday afternoon games.
I didn't know that, that's really stupid on Apple's part. Even if Saturday night was a good ratings night. Why wouldn't they want games throughout the week to maximize viewership as much as possible?
(04-08-2023 07:46 PM)Section 200 Wrote: [ -> ] (04-08-2023 07:21 PM)DoubleRSU Wrote: [ -> ] (04-08-2023 06:57 PM)darkdragon99 Wrote: [ -> ]No surprise MLS on Apple is flopping. People just watch the EPL because they wanna see the best and its in English language. Its no different than places in Far East Asia who watch the EPL over than own local mediocre leagues. Why should MLS be any different when you dont have the best players/teams ? Not like its hard to find the EPL on tv/streaming.
Watching MLS is no different than choosing to watch Texas Southern over Houston or attending a UCLA basketball game instead of the Lakers or Clippers.
The EPL is great, if you live on the East Coast or work at home. Some games come on at 4:30AM PT on Saturday mornings. Some games come on at 2:30 ET on Tuesdays. Not ideal for most people.
There is also no real evidence that MLS on Apple is “flopping”. That is why streaming services are hard to figure. They don’t release their data.
Americans will always love American sports more than international imports. Now if the EPL adds teams here, that could be a game changer. Typical EPL fan seems to a young man who strives to be different/unique - there aren't that many of these people.
That will never happen. LaLiga (Spain’s league) tried to play a regular season game in Miami before COVID and there was a ton of resistance and didn’t let it happen. The EPL will never have an American team. No European league will play meaningful games in America, ever. It would be like Alabama giving up a game against Tennessee and playing it in Portugal.