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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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.

 

An Above Avalon membership is required to continue reading this update. Members can read the full update here. An audio version of this update is available to members who have the podcast add-on attached to their membership. More information about the podcast add-on is found here.

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Above Avalon Membership

Payment is processed and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members.

The daily updates have become widely read and influential in the world of Apple and technology. They are unmatched in the marketplace in terms of comprehensive analysis and research on all things Apple. Members reside in 60 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. They include Silicon Valley executives and investors, the largest Apple shareholders, and the leading Apple journalists in the business.

More information about Above Avalon membership, including the full list of benefits and privileges, is available here.