US soccer is still in its infancy. It literally started a century late. The shot callers are not MLS but NFL, NHL, NBA. I believe Apple is asking way too much for an MLS subscription which is the reason for this discount. It’s quite amusing how Messi’s face is all over Apple TV while the interest in MLS is so limited.
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Apple Discounts MLS Season Pass
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Source? last i checked Apple didn’t Make any numbers public. It’s true they admitted subscriptions have increased but it’s likely not as high as they hoped. Plus Messi is getting a cut himself. it’s very likely the roi isn’t what they hoped for. Regardless I’d like to see if they retain mls streaming rights when Messi leaves. ”nO 0tHwR ReAsON” 🤡
The Apple MLS deal is a long-term investment. They want to see the numbers go up in years 2, 3, 4. Messi is great, but the goal is to create a virtuous circle between better players - bigger audiences - bigger revenues. If the peak was today, there’d be something seriously wrong in their planning and execution.
Having said that, this is a US league, so I really think they should charge less worldwide than in the US to broaden their audience. Cut the price in half. And then bring it back up in a few years if the value is there for international fans.
Having said that, this is a US league, so I really think they should charge less worldwide than in the US to broaden their audience. Cut the price in half. And then bring it back up in a few years if the value is there for international fans.
Just to clarify: You don’t need to buy Apple TV+ at all to get the MLS subscription.
The deal they struck is for 10 years, and it’s incredibly unlikely either party will try and break that contract early, so unless Messi goes on playing until his mid-40s, then yeah, Apple are going to retain the rights when Messi leaves.
It’s also incredibly funny that you demand “source?” from the previous poster and then in the very next sentence slide straight into speculation and conjecture with “it’s likely not as high as they hoped… it’s very likely the roi isn’t what they hoped for,” based on absolutely nothing. Source??
Oh and btw, doing the aLtErNaTiNg CaSe thing to try and ridicule someone online is incredibly cringe. It’s 2023, come on man.
You couldn’t be more wrong. There’s 6 weeks left in the season. It’s a discount, because every annual sports subscription discounts after 3/4 of the season is over. MLB.tv was discounted 50% after the All Star Break, for example. Standard industry fare.
It’s discounted because they are nearly at the end of the season. NFL game pass in international markets does the same thing when the season is nearly over.
Apple will eventually get more football (soccer) rights as you point out that they should. The Premier League rights go to auction late this year/early next year.
They would probably sell a ton of “Messi-Tier” subs. Discounted rate but you only get games with Messi playing in them. I jest, but…theres truth there.
It would make a mockery of their all for one, one for all policy though. The MLS is structured so that every team gets the same from the league in terms of sponsorship, broadcast revenue, and kit manufacturer deals.
Having a package that allows only 1 club’s matches to be shown would start making an argument that only Inter Miami should get that revenue. Before you know it you are following the top heavy leagues of Europe.
The league ok'd the Messi signing money, so the league will want the returns. MLS isn't like other leagues in their structure.
MLB, NFL and other pro sports discount towards end of the season. NFL after week 10-11 is dirt cheap.
Wow! Those are two words I never thought I'd see together in a sentence... "Apple" and "discounts". 
Things that haven't changed, Signup for studio time is worse than ever. Locations are now overflowing with cheap memberships and other consulting from the merger parent club. Prices have increased. Staff are turning around budget cutting with cheaper instructors. If there is a positive showing because the stock is increasing. It's because they are cutting staff and other necessities for running each club. Looking at the stockholder aspect how are you seeing any hope? At this stock price, it's high but 1000 yen is not possible. The 100-year perspective of Japanese aging society and the increase of 70-year-old members. Doesn't equate to a real value company. Mid 900 yen stock is where home. Because looking how This company is showing no care for its members and increasing quality studio classes results in
short-term member retention.
Wow! Those are two words I never thought I'd see together in a sentence... "Apple" and "discounts".
short-term member retention.
Totally forgot about the MLB. Yes, but who really cares that late in the season? Only the TV/streaming providers that want to make a quick buck.
Been watching Messi play for free my whole life but now I need an Apple subscription to do so smh
... you previously would have needed a subscription to whichever channel was showing LaLiga or Ligue 1. As far as I know those leagues don't have widespread free to air deals.
Even at his age Messi is still the best player in the world so nobody would be able to match his impact.