Lionel Messi's move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has not only changed the mood of the league, it has also reinvigorated the streaming partnership between MLS and Apple TV. Despite initial uncertainty, Messi's arrival has led to a surge in subscribers, demonstrating the power of star players to drive digital content consumption.
Initially there were rumours that Apple might pull out of the deal, but that has changed dramatically with the arrival of Lionel Messi, reports the Wall Street Journal via Antenna. The MLS and Apple had just 37,000 MLS Season Pass subscribers in June, but by July that number had grown to 288,000. This significant increase, due in part to lower prices as the season progressed, represents a significant financial windfall for both MLS and Apple. The exact financial impact remains unclear, but Apple's guaranteed minimum of $250 million per year is likely to be exceeded, especially as the revenue-sharing model kicks in once certain milestones are reached, which were reportedly achieved by the surge in signings following the signing of Messi.
Apple has also benefited from the deal, adding almost 100,000 subscribers to its service in July alone. The strategy of attracting viewers with football and retaining them with other content, such as shows starring Jon Hamm and Jennifer Aniston, appears to be working. Prior to Messi's arrival, Apple's subscriber numbers were declining from April to June, but his presence has reversed that trend, improving the fortunes of both the MLS and Apple.
Messi's impact goes beyond subscriptions. His performances in the MLS and League Cup have underlined the improving quality of the league. According to analyst Matthew Doyle, MLS is now more competitive on the world stage. The league has seen a significant increase in national team call-ups, and at the recent World Cup, MLS had the most players from outside the top five European leagues. In addition, MLS has had the eighth highest transfer spend over the past four years, ahead of the likes of Holland, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, indicating a strong growth trajectory.
The real test will be whether the Messi craze continues next season. There is no World Cup next year to boost interest, and while Inter Miami, Messi's team, are likely to improve, they are far from a play-off contender at the moment. Fans will have to subscribe for the entire season for $75 or more, compared to the half-season discount offered this year. Without Messi in the playoffs to build momentum, MLS will have to find other ways to keep subscribers interested and growing.
Perhaps the deal between MLS and Apple TV foreshadowed Messi's arrival, or perhaps they simply capitalised on a fortunate turn of events. Whatever the initial expectations, both the MLS and Apple are now reaping the benefits of this strategic partnership.
Similarly, the Fairplay app is rapidly gaining popularity in India as a dynamic sports betting and online gaming platform. Designed to cater to the growing market of digital gaming enthusiasts in India, the Fairplay apk offers a wide range of betting options on various sports such as cricket, football and tennis, as well as various casino games. Its user-friendly interface, live match streaming and real-time betting features make it a preferred choice among users. In addition, the Fairplay app offers a secure and transparent betting environment with robust measures to protect user data and financial transactions. The app's commitment to responsible gaming and a seamless user experience has helped it carve out a niche in the competitive online gaming environment in India. This success reflects strategic wins for MLS and Apple and underscores the growing convergence of sports, digital platforms and innovative customer engagement strategies.