Neil Cybart 11/17/22 Neil Cybart 11/17/22

Additional Thoughts on Apple’s MLS Season Pass, Playing Devil’s Advocate With Warner Bros. Discovery (Daily Update)

In today’s update, Neil examines a few follow-ups to yesterday’s discussion. We begin with how success for Apple and its MLS Season Pass streaming service will be measured. The discussion then turns to Warner Bros. Discovery and the ongoing rumors that David Zaslav is ultimately trying to sell the company. Neil puts his devil’s advocate hat on to examine the argument for Warner Bros. Discovery M&A.

Hello everyone. There are a few follow-ups to yesterday’s discussion that are worth pursuing in today’s update. Let’s jump right in.

Additional Thoughts on Apple’s MLS Season Pass

What will success look like for Apple with MLS Season Pass, its upcoming paid streaming service for U.S. soccer?

Soccer in the U.S. is not the NBA or NFL. It’s certainly not English Premier League either. Those aren’t controversial statements. Based on viewership data, U.S. soccer has 500,000 to 600,000 regular fans. When considering other countries, we can add a little bit more to the total. The NFL sees multiple times (i.e. 10+) that number with the NBA and English Premier League at more like a few times over that range on a per game basis.

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Neil Cybart 11/16/22 Neil Cybart 11/16/22

Apple Unveils MLS Season Pass, Warner Bros. Discovery 3Q22 Earnings, David Zaslav’s Big Bet (Daily Update)

We kick things off by going over new details regarding Apple’s upcoming streaming service for Major League Soccer (MLS). Neil compares Apple’s subscription pricing to his estimates and what it suggests about Apple’s subscriber goals. The discussion then turns to Warner Bros. Discovery 3Q22 earnings and the bet Neil sees CEO David Zaslav making in the video content space.

Hello everyone. Happy Wednesday.

Today’s update will have a content streaming focus. We will begin with Apple providing details on its upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) streaming service.

Let’s jump right in.

Apple Unveils MLS Season Pass

Back in June, Apple made waves by announcing a 10-year streaming rights deal with Major League Soccer (U.S.) Apple was attracted to the idea of having all matches available in one location. It’s a novel idea in an industry that is used to disjointed distribution and things like blackouts.

Earlier today, Apple provided via press release many of the missing details about the standalone streaming service which will be called MLS Season Pass.