Introduction
Apple TV has experienced a significant boost in sales thanks to its Major League Soccer (MLS) streaming service, especially after the addition of renowned Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi to the league. This surge in popularity is evident from the staggering number of U.S. sign-ups for the MLS Season Pass, which soared from approximately 6,000 to over 110,000 within a single day when Messi played his first match for Inter Miami on July 21. These figures have been provided by Antenna, an analytics company, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Lionel Messi and His Achievements
Lionel Messi, a seasoned player formerly associated with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has earned great recognition in the world of soccer. This 36-year-old superstar has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or prize an unprecedented six times, solidifying his status as the best soccer player globally. Additionally, Messi is a World Cup winner, leading Argentina to victory in December.
Apple’s Exclusive Broadcasting Rights
Apple holds exclusive rights to showcase professional U.S. soccer matches from MLS, making them available through their Apple TV+ subscription streaming service. This influx of captivating soccer content has undoubtedly attracted a substantial influx of new customers to the platform during the month of July.
Growing Consumer Willingness to Pay for Live Sports
The recent data indicating a sharp rise in sign-ups highlights the growing willingness of consumers to invest in live sports experiences. As a result, industry analysts suggest that Disney is contemplating the sale of its ESPN unit, with Apple being touted as a potential buyer.
In conclusion, Apple TV’s Major League Soccer streaming service has seen a remarkable surge in sign-ups following the arrival of Lionel Messi to the league. With exclusive broadcasting rights for professional U.S. soccer matches and an impressive wave of new customers, Apple’s commitment to delivering exceptional sports content is evident.