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Athletic: Future of NFL Sunday Ticket - status?

RCPhoenix : 11/18/2022 11:30 am
Interesting updates here. Sounds like Apple is the front runner but wants open ended contract terms.

From the article:


“Apple is still the front-runner to score Sunday Ticket, but market insiders describe a stalemate of sorts between the entertainment titans that have at the very least delayed the consummation of the expected partnership.“
Link - ( New Window )
I'm rooting for Amazon  
Dr. D : 11/18/2022 11:43 am : link
it would be the easiest transition for me.
Don’t get the Athletic  
joeinpa : 11/18/2022 12:02 pm : link
Can you summarize please. Not sure what you mean by open contract. Variable annual fee to NFL?
RE: Don’t get the Athletic  
RCPhoenix : 11/18/2022 12:10 pm : link
In comment 15912052 joeinpa said:
Quote:
Can you summarize please. Not sure what you mean by open contract. Variable annual fee to NFL?


From the article:

“The individual said part of the problem is the contract: Apple expected that categories not specifically excluded would belong to them, while the NFL way of doing business is only what is mentioned in the contract is given as rights.“
I have the streaming package for DirecTV  
Essex : 11/18/2022 12:21 pm : link
and it is awful. THankfully, I am in New YOrk and don't watch Giants game on it, but I do have it up for other games and it is delayed by at least a half a minute (sometimes behind even network breakthrough) and it really is not worth the money.
RE: RE: Don’t get the Athletic  
joeinpa : 11/18/2022 1:12 pm : link
In comment 15912065 RCPhoenix said:
Quote:
In comment 15912052 joeinpa said:


Quote:


Can you summarize please. Not sure what you mean by open contract. Variable annual fee to NFL?



From the article:

“The individual said part of the problem is the contract: Apple expected that categories not specifically excluded would belong to them, while the NFL way of doing business is only what is mentioned in the contract is given as rights.“


Found out Apple wants things in contract such as streaming local market games, NFL s contract with FOX and CBS prohibit that
A few thoughts  
arniefez : 11/18/2022 3:28 pm : link
Trust me the NFL has met it's match in Apple. Apple will do business on Apple's terms or not at all.

Also Apple announced the MLS, which they have exclusive rights to will cost $14.99 a month or $99.99 for the season. If you subscribe to Apple TV+ already it's $12.99 and $79.99. Seems pretty reasonable to me even though I'm not interested. Will the NFL be double or triple price?

Some additional details of the MLS deal:

Quote:
Local broadcasts of MLS matches will no longer continue. Once the current deal kicks in, matches will not air on regional sports networks or other television partners that individual clubs have worked with over the years. Apple TV games will also only be called by one team of commentators.


Quote:
In order to watch all regular season and Leagues Cup matches (along with select games from MLS Next Pro and MLS Next, MLS’s developmental league and academy league, respectively) users will have to purchase the MLS Season Pass streaming app on Apple TV. However, viewers will not have to purchase Apple TV+ to purchase the streaming service, nor will they have to purchase a physical Apple TV product — any device that can connect to the Internet will be able to show the games existing Apple TV+ subscribers who do not purchase the MLS subscription will still have access to some of the matches, and a further limited number of matches will be available for free for all fans, even those without an Apple TV+ subscription. MLS full-season ticket holders will have the MLS streaming app included with their purchase of full-season tickets. In addition, this deal removes all local blackout restrictions, which were in effect for MLS games on ESPN+ in their last deal.
.

The NFL is a different universe of product than the MLS, Sunday Ticket won't affect the rest of the NFL's broadcasts at all. But I think that deal it gives us some idea of how Sunday Ticket streaming might work.
Whether it's  
Gman11 : 11/18/2022 3:46 pm : link
Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.
I dont particularly care who winds up getting it  
JFIB : 11/18/2022 4:10 pm : link
For me the biggest issue is not being able to record and save the games on a DVR. Like a lot of peeps here I like to record the games and forward through commercials. I usually keep all of the better games on my DVR and often re-watch them during the off season when the mood strikes. Will they be available all year long? Will we be able to somehow record them? I doubt it and that's a bummer.
Yes, lack of DVR is an issue  
BigBlue565358 : 11/18/2022 5:02 pm : link
and so is lag time from a gambler's point of view and in-game betting

Here is a snippet from the article:

"And the negotiations arrive as the sheen has come off plowing money into streaming, with losses piling up into the billions of dollars at some companies."

Billion dollar losses from streaming
I'm not sure what I prefer  
markky : 11/18/2022 5:56 pm : link
I have Sunday Ticket through my college student kid, which allows purchase without being a DirectTV customer (and at a discount). But I can't wait until it's on a streaming service.
Why don't they take all these  
Gman11 : 11/18/2022 6:13 pm : link
streaming sites and put them on cable/satellite TV as subscription packages?
RE: Whether it's  
Bear vs Shark : 11/18/2022 6:32 pm : link
In comment 15912298 Gman11 said:
Quote:
Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.
just get a Chromecast or fire stick. They're like $30, problem solved. Most TVs allow you to install apps on them at this point anyway.
RE: Whether it's  
steve in ky : 11/18/2022 6:50 pm : link
In comment 15912298 Gman11 said:
Quote:
Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.


Streaming is great for some things but not for live sports. It’s going backwards on overall quality and convenience as far as I’m concerned.
anything but Direct TV  
islander1 : 11/18/2022 7:36 pm : link
those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.
RE: A few thoughts  
BigBlueShock : 11/18/2022 7:51 pm : link
In comment 15912285 arniefez said:
Quote:
Trust me the NFL has met it's match in Apple. Apple will do business on Apple's terms or not at all.

Also Apple announced the MLS, which they have exclusive rights to will cost $14.99 a month or $99.99 for the season. If you subscribe to Apple TV+ already it's $12.99 and $79.99. Seems pretty reasonable to me even though I'm not interested. Will the NFL be double or triple price?

Some additional details of the MLS deal:



Quote:


Local broadcasts of MLS matches will no longer continue. Once the current deal kicks in, matches will not air on regional sports networks or other television partners that individual clubs have worked with over the years. Apple TV games will also only be called by one team of commentators.





Quote:


In order to watch all regular season and Leagues Cup matches (along with select games from MLS Next Pro and MLS Next, MLS’s developmental league and academy league, respectively) users will have to purchase the MLS Season Pass streaming app on Apple TV. However, viewers will not have to purchase Apple TV+ to purchase the streaming service, nor will they have to purchase a physical Apple TV product — any device that can connect to the Internet will be able to show the games existing Apple TV+ subscribers who do not purchase the MLS subscription will still have access to some of the matches, and a further limited number of matches will be available for free for all fans, even those without an Apple TV+ subscription. MLS full-season ticket holders will have the MLS streaming app included with their purchase of full-season tickets. In addition, this deal removes all local blackout restrictions, which were in effect for MLS games on ESPN+ in their last deal.

.

The NFL is a different universe of product than the MLS, Sunday Ticket won't affect the rest of the NFL's broadcasts at all. But I think that deal it gives us some idea of how Sunday Ticket streaming might work.

It’s lovely that Apple will only do business on their terms but they need the NFL more than the NFL needs Apple. The NFL doesn’t give a rats ass about Apple. They have plenty of options for this service.
RE: RE: A few thoughts  
speedywheels : 11/18/2022 7:54 pm : link
In comment 15912452 BigBlueShock said:
Quote:
In comment 15912285 arniefez said:


Quote:


Trust me the NFL has met it's match in Apple. Apple will do business on Apple's terms or not at all.

Also Apple announced the MLS, which they have exclusive rights to will cost $14.99 a month or $99.99 for the season. If you subscribe to Apple TV+ already it's $12.99 and $79.99. Seems pretty reasonable to me even though I'm not interested. Will the NFL be double or triple price?

Some additional details of the MLS deal:



Quote:


Local broadcasts of MLS matches will no longer continue. Once the current deal kicks in, matches will not air on regional sports networks or other television partners that individual clubs have worked with over the years. Apple TV games will also only be called by one team of commentators.





Quote:


In order to watch all regular season and Leagues Cup matches (along with select games from MLS Next Pro and MLS Next, MLS’s developmental league and academy league, respectively) users will have to purchase the MLS Season Pass streaming app on Apple TV. However, viewers will not have to purchase Apple TV+ to purchase the streaming service, nor will they have to purchase a physical Apple TV product — any device that can connect to the Internet will be able to show the games existing Apple TV+ subscribers who do not purchase the MLS subscription will still have access to some of the matches, and a further limited number of matches will be available for free for all fans, even those without an Apple TV+ subscription. MLS full-season ticket holders will have the MLS streaming app included with their purchase of full-season tickets. In addition, this deal removes all local blackout restrictions, which were in effect for MLS games on ESPN+ in their last deal.

.

The NFL is a different universe of product than the MLS, Sunday Ticket won't affect the rest of the NFL's broadcasts at all. But I think that deal it gives us some idea of how Sunday Ticket streaming might work.


It’s lovely that Apple will only do business on their terms but they need the NFL more than the NFL needs Apple. The NFL doesn’t give a rats ass about Apple. They have plenty of options for this service.


Apple doesn't "need" the NFL, they are doing quite well on their own. I'm sure they will make quite a bit of money if they do get it, but they would be fine otherwise.

And to be fair, the NFL doesn't "need" Apple either; they will find a partner just fine.

I'm sure they will do a back/forth on negotiations, and if either party isn't fully happy, one will pull out, and both will be fine...
speedywheels  
BigBlueShock : 11/18/2022 7:59 pm : link
I’m well aware that Apple doesn’t “need” the NFL either. But they are the ones looking to add the NFL package so in that lease, yes they need the NFL more than the NFL needs them. Apple is not going to control these negotiations as Arnie seems to suggest. The NFL will have a partner for the package whether it’s Apple or someone else. They have fallbacks. Apple doesn’t.
RE: speedywheels  
speedywheels : 11/18/2022 8:06 pm : link
In comment 15912457 BigBlueShock said:
Quote:
I’m well aware that Apple doesn’t “need” the NFL either. But they are the ones looking to add the NFL package so in that lease, yes they need the NFL more than the NFL needs them. Apple is not going to control these negotiations as Arnie seems to suggest. The NFL will have a partner for the package whether it’s Apple or someone else. They have fallbacks. Apple doesn’t.


But that's what I'm saying - they really don't need the NFL, they will be fine without it. Meaning, they aren't desperate to acquire them to keep their business afloat, as DTV was (DTV will die a slow death w/o NFL).

I suspect that if Apple did acquire the NFL package, it would be a loss leader for them, and they would focus on getting new Apple TV+ subscribers for the real money.

But if it goes to Amazon, apple will move on just fine...
RE: anything but Direct TV  
BigBlue565358 : 11/18/2022 8:14 pm : link
In comment 15912448 islander1 said:
Quote:
those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.

They didn't force you to do anything. You could have gotten a DirecTV dish. And before you say you're not allowed to, it was your choice to live where you live
RE: RE: anything but Direct TV  
speedywheels : 11/18/2022 8:20 pm : link
In comment 15912466 BigBlue565358 said:
Quote:
In comment 15912448 islander1 said:


Quote:


those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.


They didn't force you to do anything. You could have gotten a DirecTV dish. And before you say you're not allowed to, it was your choice to live where you live


Not only that,but if you lived in an area that couldn't get DTV (or lived in an apt, etc), you were still able to get it w/o having a dish.
If I remember correctly the NFL wanted this  
arniefez : 11/18/2022 10:59 pm : link
contract done before this season started. Just my opinion if Amazon or Apple or any other streaming service had met their price and terms I think it would be done. Just my guess - Apple has the money where the NFL wants it but they want rights the NFL can't or won't give them. I think if any other service Amazon or someone else gets close to the Apple money on the NFL's terms that's where it will wind up.
Apple negotiating with the NFL  
Gary from The East End : Admin : 11/18/2022 11:31 pm : link
Is the classic irresistible force meeting the immovable object. Both are pretty used to being the 800 pound gorilla and getting pretty much what they want in any negotiation.

I personally am rooting against this deal. I had Apple TV for a while. The content was great, but the web interface was terrible and there's no native app for Android phones.
RE: RE: anything but Direct TV  
islander1 : 11/19/2022 2:17 am : link
In comment 15912466 BigBlue565358 said:
Quote:
In comment 15912448 islander1 said:


Quote:


those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.


They didn't force you to do anything. You could have gotten a DirecTV dish. And before you say you're not allowed to, it was your choice to live where you live


Direct TV's product is trash, and so are internet options paired with Direct TV.

Every other sport makes their product available to purchase on multiple media sources. It's the NFL's loss they aren't getting my money, not mine.
RE: RE: Whether it's  
moze1021 : 11/19/2022 8:06 am : link
In comment 15912426 steve in ky said:
Quote:
In comment 15912298 Gman11 said:


Quote:


Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.



Streaming is great for some things but not for live sports. It’s going backwards on overall quality and convenience as far as I’m concerned.


MLB.TV is an absolutely fantastic product.

It can be watched on any device, you can have it hide scores so you can start games late and catch up without fear or spoilers, you can jump to where you want in the game. It's all the NFL should try to do .

Unfortunately they won't get that quality and scope of offering with Apple, because as others have said Apple does what they want. They will never have universal access.

50% of mobile users in US and 70© worldwide will be left out in the cold.
Streaming sports has been great  
UConn4523 : 11/19/2022 8:10 am : link
my stream has better PQ than it was for cable, I can access it from any room on any device, and I have full access when traveling in the US. And that’s in its current format which isn’t even perfected yet.

You’ll have DVR, you’ll have pause/rewind. The worry over this is crazy.
RE: Whether it's  
halfback20 : 11/19/2022 10:10 am : link
In comment 15912298 Gman11 said:
Quote:
Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.


I'm confused. You don't need your computer to watch Apple or Amazon...
 
christian : 11/19/2022 10:23 am : link
Apple has built the software for a modern sports streaming experience for MLS Season Pass.

Per their press release they will have full archive functionality, and play from the beginning or play live, which implies rewind/pause/fast-forward. But honestly those features were never in doubt if they win the NFL bid.

The pricing model for MLS Season Pass is also a good clue on how Apple would price an NFL package. For non-Apple TV+ subscribers it’s $100 a year, and for AppleTV+ subscribers it’s $80.

My guess is they’ll offer a discount to TV+ subscribers. I think the networks will force Apple to charge $300/year. And Apple will extend a 10% discount to TV+ subscribers.
RE: RE: RE: Whether it's  
speedywheels : 11/19/2022 10:31 am : link
In comment 15912621 moze1021 said:
Quote:
In comment 15912426 steve in ky said:


Quote:


In comment 15912298 Gman11 said:


Quote:


Apple or Amazon it really sucks. I'd rather turn on my TV and watch a game and not tie up my computer to watch it. Plus, streaming is subject to lag that you don't get on TV. I don't know what I'll do if that's the only option.



Streaming is great for some things but not for live sports. It’s going backwards on overall quality and convenience as far as I’m concerned.



MLB.TV is an absolutely fantastic product.

It can be watched on any device, you can have it hide scores so you can start games late and catch up without fear or spoilers, you can jump to where you want in the game. It's all the NFL should try to do .

Unfortunately they won't get that quality and scope of offering with Apple, because as others have said Apple does what they want. They will never have universal access.

50% of mobile users in US and 70© worldwide will be left out in the cold.


You’ll be able to watch on non apple products.
 
christian : 11/19/2022 10:38 am : link
I’d wait and see how the mobile web version of MLS League Pass operates before jumping to any conclusions on how left out Android phone users will be.
RE: RE: RE: anything but Direct TV  
BigBlue565358 : 11/19/2022 10:39 am : link
In comment 15912578 islander1 said:
Quote:
In comment 15912466 BigBlue565358 said:


Quote:


In comment 15912448 islander1 said:


Quote:


those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.


They didn't force you to do anything. You could have gotten a DirecTV dish. And before you say you're not allowed to, it was your choice to live where you live



Direct TV's product is trash, and so are internet options paired with Direct TV.

Every other sport makes their product available to purchase on multiple media sources. It's the NFL's loss they aren't getting my money, not mine.

What are you talking about? Every channel is digital quality - not just a few like cable. I have had DTV for over 20 years in several states and it has been excellent. Easy built in DVR, plenty of space to keep what you want - and no time limit on keeping it, meaning you can keep stuff forever (unlike some of the streaming services)
I hate direct TV.  
larryflower37 : 11/19/2022 8:03 pm : link
I only have it at this point for the NFL package.
Can't wait for an alternative any streaming alternative. I watch MLB and NBA through their Apps and NHL through ESPN +
I wouldn’t get Sunday ticket  
jpkmets : 11/19/2022 8:10 pm : link
As a viewer who is in nyc. I once thought I’d jump at it if I ever had the chance, but red zone is just fine for me. I do not like sports on streaming for so many reasons. The lag makes it hard to sync with radio (though that’s mostly a baseball issue as football announcers are usually ok or better) and I hate having no DVR and catch-up technology on the stream.
RE: I hate direct TV.  
BigBlue565358 : 11/19/2022 8:39 pm : link
In comment 15913119 larryflower37 said:
Quote:
I only have it at this point for the NFL package.
Can't wait for an alternative any streaming alternative. I watch MLB and NBA through their Apps and NHL through ESPN +

Why do you hate them?
RE: I wouldn’t get Sunday ticket  
BigBlue565358 : 11/19/2022 8:41 pm : link
In comment 15913122 jpkmets said:
Quote:
As a viewer who is in nyc. I once thought I’d jump at it if I ever had the chance, but red zone is just fine for me. I do not like sports on streaming for so many reasons. The lag makes it hard to sync with radio (though that’s mostly a baseball issue as football announcers are usually ok or better) and I hate having no DVR and catch-up technology on the stream.

Sunday Ticket wasnt made for someone like you, who lives in his team's market. Its for those of us NOT living in the team's market
RE: Streaming sports has been great  
steve in ky : 11/19/2022 8:53 pm : link
In comment 15912624 UConn4523 said:
Quote:
my stream has better PQ than it was for cable, I can access it from any room on any device, and I have full access when traveling in the US. And that’s in its current format which isn’t even perfected yet.

You’ll have DVR, you’ll have pause/rewind. The worry over this is crazy.


Unlike a dish from Driect TV I’m assuming what’s available in different parts of the country for streaming can vary affecting people’s experience.
Last couple years NBA League pass was decent but this year  
steve in ky : 11/19/2022 8:54 pm : link
It’s been horrible.

RE: RE: RE: anything but Direct TV  
Tom in NY : 11/19/2022 10:51 pm : link
In comment 15912578 islander1 said:
Quote:
In comment 15912466 BigBlue565358 said:


Quote:


In comment 15912448 islander1 said:


Quote:


those assholes have forced me to stream illegally for years now. Amazon, Apple, whatever. Amazon would be easier but I'd subscribe to Apple all the same during football season.


They didn't force you to do anything. You could have gotten a DirecTV dish. And before you say you're not allowed to, it was your choice to live where you live



Direct TV's product is trash, and so are internet options paired with Direct TV.

Every other sport makes their product available to purchase on multiple media sources. It's the NFL's loss they aren't getting my money, not mine.


How is the "Direct TV product trash?" I've had it for close to 30 years and been very happy. The streaming deals may help folks get the Sunday Ticket, but without a dvr option my NFL season is going to suck.
Yeah I don’t get the hate for Direct TV  
steve in ky : 11/19/2022 11:06 pm : link
I’ve had it for years as well and never had any issues, and I’ve come to depend on having a dvr with our television watching
...  
christian : 11/19/2022 11:06 pm : link
In comment 15913214 Tom in NY said:
Quote:
How is the "Direct TV product trash?" I've had it for close to 30 years and been very happy. The streaming deals may help folks get the Sunday Ticket, but without a dvr option my NFL season is going to suck.


What information leads you to believe the new home for Sunday Ticket won't provide the equivalent of a recording of the game?
RE: …  
BH28 : 11/20/2022 2:02 am : link
In comment 15912718 christian said:
Quote:
I’d wait and see how the mobile web version of MLS League Pass operates before jumping to any conclusions on how left out Android phone users will be.


Based on baseball experience on apple tv, it will be terrible. If you don't use chrome as a browser you're shit out of luck on Android. I'm hopeful that the MLS package forces apple to make an android phone compatible app, but we'll see because they didn't do it with baseball.

I know they make an apple tv version that works on Google TV but still nothing on mobile and that's unfortunate. This is why I hope anyone but apple gets the NFL deal.

When Tim Cook's solution to having texting between apple and Android work better is to 'buy an iPhone', it doesn't really instill a lot of confidence apple ever really intends to make things easier for Android users.
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