Could Saint Phil regain the money on the rights he bought for the WC?

[pc4th]

though he bought it for both 02 and 06 after ESPN refuse to buy it from FIFA (or someone who holds the WC English rights in the US) because it was really expensive. I don't know the number, but read that it was not a bargain (UNIVISION bought the spanish rights for $150 million if I remembered correctly) If there is no spanish rights, then the rating for WC in the US would be double or more.
anyway, does anyone know if Anschutz gain a profit or not from the hugely successful 02 WC ? and what was the amount he bought it for?

I know he did it for MLS (with the deal with ESPN)
There was an article I read...Let me see if I can find it. nothing can't be found with a little time and research on google.hihihih.
found it....

http://espn.go.com/magazine/bootroom_20020104.html

anyway..just wondering....do you think he will make back the money that he spent to bring WC 02, and 06 to America?

If 06 is anything like 02, then he got a good chance.

oh the 02 Rating .

http://www.mlsnet.com/content/02/mls0624ratings.html


I believe, basically Anschutz paid ESPN for the time spot like an informercials and take in the money from advertisements.

so the cost: The english WC rights and payments to espn

the gains: commercials money.

Hopefully the costs and gains will offset.

[da_cfo]

Uncle Phil only paid $40 million for the English-language US TV rights to 2 WCs and 1 WWC.

He got a bargain price because he waited for the economy to tank and he waited for the FIFA financial scandal to hit the fan.

SUM (AEG) bartered the WC and WWC programming in addition to MLS programming to ESPN in exchange for time slots on ESPN2 and production costs.

Each 2-hour time slot on ESPN2 should have a cash value of around $200000, and the product cost of a typical ESPN2 MLS telecast is on the order of $40000 - $50000.

Each 2-hour time slot on ABC costs around $250000 in CASH and is not covered in the barter.

[babyblue]

He got a fantastic deal compared to the rest of the world mostly because something was better for FIFA than nothing. It doesn't necessarily mean it's going to pay off for him in the long run -- considering the give and take that is necessary with the money-loser MLS -- but it's hard to see him coming out behind on this particular deal.

'02 was something of a throwaway since it came about at the last minute and had to deal with the time difference, though I think AEG clearly could have capitalized on the mainstream interest more, particularly after the fact.

'03 turns out to be the freebie here with more exposure and revenue than thought before because St. Phil infected some poor Chinese people with SARS. It also <i>potentially</i> saves wobbly WUSA, which is good news for everyone involved. Unless (or should I say until) AEG jumps in there though, it can't be enough (can it?). Regardless, I don't think US Soccer would have come near '03 if it wasn't for Uncle Phil.

Everyone knows that '06 is the big potential pay-off. How AEG, MLS and the USSF capitalize on that is the question, and not a very hard one at that. They can hardly miss if they successfully tie-in new MLS stadiums, emerging world-class players, an established domestic league and exposure on ESPN/ABC with some form of success in Germany.

It's not like it will be a bonanza in terms of ad revenue, but it could finally establish an American branding of soccer that is sellable to the general public. That could potentially make all of the investment in MLS worth it.

Right now at least, they seem to be willing to spend their way to long-term success. Certainly, there seems to be an interest in the sport, at least as a money-making venture.

The only thing that worries me is what happens when Anschutz goes to jail or the US fail to qualify for Germany and AEG freaks and pulls the plug? And, what happens if a less-friendly US Soccer leadership comes into play? I think there are some potential legal issues on the horizon given the direction this is all heading.

Anyway, the point is that if this all takes off -- naturally a big question mark -- Anschutz is in an excellent position to make a good deal of money. Given how he has essentially saved soccer in the US, I don't think anyone would begrudge him that.

[pc4th]

Thanks for the responses.

Babyblue wrote : "The only thing that worries me is what happens when Anschutz goes to jail or the US fail to qualify for Germany and AEG freaks and pulls the plug?"

Why would Anschutz goes to jail? or the assumption that he could. The chances that he will go to jail is as good as mine or yours. I am not sure, but what did he do?

I heard something about Qwest, but I don't think he would go to jail for it. If anybody know, fill me up to date. Thanks.

[babyblue]

Originally posted by pc4th

Why would Anschutz goes to jail? or the assumption that he could. The chances that he will go to jail is as good as mine or yours. I am not sure, but what did he do?

I heard something about Qwest, but I don't think he would go to jail for it. If anybody know, fill me up to date. Thanks.

I'm not sure if you get that much money without doing something that means you deserve to be in jail. But no, I don't think there is any hanging litigation - unless you count the SARS thing.

[Stevedm]

Originally posted by babyblue




The only thing that worries me is what happens when Anschutz goes to jail or the US fail to qualify for Germany and AEG freaks and pulls the plug? And, what happens if a less-friendly US Soccer leadership comes into play? I think there are some potential legal issues on the horizon given the direction this is all heading.



Goes to jail??? What are you talking about bud?? he settled all issues with the federal regulators. the only reason he would go to jail is if he decided to out down idiotic 34 year old virgins soccer fans! :)