While I totally agree with what he said, I do think some people (moreso older ones) have "app fatigue" especially if they're still paying for a live TV service. There was a time when it was basically all in one live TV service. Then Netflix came along which wasn't necessarily a negative for them. Now it's what, at least nine different apps? (I'm continuing Hulu and Disney+ as the same, as I'm counting Discovery+ and Max as the same.) Throw in the fact that content moves on a regular basis and it can be a bit of a task to try to keep up...oh, but there's an app to keep up for you. Disney+, Netflix, ESPN+, Paramount+, Peacock, AppleTV+, Max, Starz, Amazon Prime...oh I forgot BTN+. (There is some overlap between Disney+ and ESPN+, but live sports still have yet to make it to Disney+ with a rare exception.) I've also heard that some channels move current shows off their main channel and to their app, although I don't think this has happened to me. FWIW, it's not like a show that airs on whatever channel with past seasons on the app...but apparently the new season won't be on the channel, but WILL be on the app. I can foresee a future in which ALL live TV providers die...not just old-school cable and it all becomes direct-to-consumer. We're obviously already seeing a bit of this. Other than some sports and the 24/7 news channels, is there really a reason to subscribe to a TV provider? Everything else is on an app. Sometimes, it's on the app before it even airs on the corresponding linear channel. Of course the benefit is easier cancelation as well as long-term discounts (A year for $130 instead of $11.99/mo, as an example.) The downside, of course... already mentioned. The switching between apps isn't as seamless as it could be. Is it a positive or a negative that the algorithm tells the viewer what shows to watch next? The "random channel surfing" could rapidly become a thing of the past. Streaming delays are gonna kill in-game betting, for those who partake. We still have a long way to go, however. With that said, I too, prefer my apps built-in to the TV. It's one less remote and one more open outlet.
I also know numerous casuals who have MLS Season Pass subscriptions as well. Some picked up part way through last season due to the reduced price (even though it was really cheaper per game) and kept it for this season. When people complain about the Apple TV deal, they tend to ignore the situation we were in literally just two years ago. Unless you had a select few cable packages, you couldn't watch the Crew unless they were on national tv and you had a package with those channels. Eventually, Bally came out with an app that allowed you to subscribe without having a cable package that included their channel, but the subscription was like 4x the cost of MLS Season Pass. Crew games are far more easily accessible to everyone in Columbus now than they were before the current deal. No casual was going to completely switch from YouTubeTV to Spectrum Cable just to watch a Crew game two years ago, nor were they going to pay the astronomical rate to subscribe to the Bally Sports app, but many will be willing to subscribe to Season Pass even if it's only for part of the season.
As I've noted before, since my son has a full season ticket package, it was easy for him to set up a family share thingy with me so that I have full access to the MLS package on Apple TV. Didn't cost me a penny. I assume that at some point that'll go away. But it's a sweet deal right now.
I've assumed that the majority of people who actually purchase the whole thing are overseas fans in Argentina or Asia or Europe. I could be very wrong though. The big question though is what happens if and when it stops being free for STHs. What percentage of folks will purchase it then? 10% or 90%? I feel like I watch enough to justify a purchase. Last year I watched a TON of Leagues Cup. Let's see if it's as interesting this year.
Your assumption might be accurate. As far as it not being a benefit, they'd have to realize some people wouldn't pay. What would make more money? Some people paying $100 or subsidizing it via season tickets? Could *this* be how a single team option gets introduced? Personally, I use Season Pass to watch the road Crew and Crew 2 games, but very very rarely tune in to another game, partially because I have extremely little interest in the Western Conference. I'd pay $65 or $75 for all Crew+Crew2 games, but I don't see myself watching Seattle host LAFC, for example.
Yea I'm one as well. Everyone I know who subscribes, and I know quite a few, are also "organic" subscribers.
I have introduced the Crew to probably 10 people in the last 2 years. None are season ticket holders and 4 have purchased the Season Pass this season. Overall MLS is still very niche but I think the sub rate is probably much better than the pessimists, but also lower than some optimistic numbers I have seen.
You're definitely not wrong, but it sure is fun seeing all the Crew stuff around town. There's definitely been a post-COVID rejuvenation to levels that haven't been seen in a long time, if even forever.
Everything is changing and with that it’s just hard to get casuals to watch soccer especially if they have to step out their comfort zone even for a free game. Part of being causal is easy access and nothing these days is easy.
For anyone who's been following the Crew longer than about 4-5 years, it's pretty wild how much Crew stuff you see around. Whether it's people wearing apparel, decals on cars, flags in front of people's houses/apartments, decorations at local business, it's everywhere. It used to be rare to see anything Crew-related. MLS is definitely niche within the national sports landscape, but it's moved past niche in some of the MLS cities. I think Columbus definitely falls into that category now.
Those people never watched MLS when it was on ABC/ESPN or FOX/FS1, so what difference does it make if they don't watch it now either?
I’m just saying if i tell ppl hey watch the Crew game this weekend going to be a good one. If it’s a free game there is still a hassle and if they have to subscribe there not going to do that when we are talking non soccer casual sports fans. We want to grow the sport but times have changed even the popular sports force you to do the same thing. It’s actually easier with MLS season pass. I pray they never start doing NFL type shenanigans where Monday, Thursday , Sunday night all have different apps you got to pay for on top of Sunday ticket which doesn’t get you all 17 games of your favorite team.
JDub brings up a good point: Even to watch the free games on MLS Season Pass, you still have to have an Apple TV account. That's effectively two barriers. Not to mention the hardware barriers.
Agreed. I was in the Easton Dick's a few weeks ago and it was amazing to see the multiple racks of Crew gear. Not just jerseys and "official" things, but they also had the "inspired by" items you might see sold by companies like Supporter Supply and Homage. I also think Columbus has a bit of good fortune. Other than OSU football, there's really nothing. Yeah, there's the CBJ, but they're a relative non-factor most of the Crew season. Other cities have baseball teams, NBA teams, an NFL draft, etc etc. Their sports landscape is way more crowded, especially for their hockey/basketball teams that routinely go deep into the playoffs...those teams that make deep playoff runs...by the time they're done, the baseball team has started. Yeah, we have the Clippers, of course, but other than dime-a-dog, do they regularly sell out? It also seems very rare that both teams play at home during overlapping times. (There was a recent Saturday Clippers game that started at 5. There would have been enough time for both, especially if someone didn't want to tailgate and they had an assigned seat for the Crew game OR didn't care about their Nordecke location.) The Memorial, while big, is a maximum of two home games. up every parking spot possible...and we still got more than a handful of games at HCS.
That's true, but again, MLS had horrible ratings when they were putting games out free OTA. People weren't watching when there were literally no barriers, so you might as well partner with Apple and actually make some money and create a better product for the people who are willing to pay.
Exactly. 100% of broadcasts start on time. There's a full pregame and postgame show plus a highlight show. There's no more of this "It's 7:45 and the tennis/baseball/golf thing is showing no signs of ending" panic situation.