Key Takeaways:
- Apple experiences surge in subscribers to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass streaming services following Lionel Messi’s debut.
- Over 110,000 new U.S. sign-ups recorded on July 21, up from 6,143 on the previous day.
- July marks strongest month for U.S. Apple TV+ subscribers in 2023.
- Apple TV+ subscription costs $6.99 per month, offering access to diverse shows and movies.
- Apple signed a 10-year deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) for media rights on Apple TV+.
- Apple TV+ offers varying pricing tiers for MLS Season Pass, reflecting subscription status.
- CEO Tim Cook highlights positive impact of Messi’s involvement and MLS partnership on Apple TV+ growth.
In an exciting development for both sports enthusiasts and streaming content aficionados, Apple has witnessed a remarkable uptick in subscribers to its streaming services, Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass. This boost is attributed to the much-anticipated debut of international soccer icon Lionel Messi.
🔸 Leo Messi has brought $265 million in ticket sales since coming to MLS.
🔹 Apple TV has gained 300,000 new subscribers, making a profit of $29.7 million.
[via Boardroom] pic.twitter.com/vkRme2Fky7
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) August 30, 2023
Surge in Subscribers
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Apple experienced a surge of over 110,000 new sign-ups in the U.S. on July 21, a notable increase from the previous day’s count of 6,143. This subscriber boost can be directly correlated to Lionel Messi’s debut, which resonated significantly with audiences.
Positive Impact on Apple TV+
The month of July stands out as the most robust period for U.S. subscribers of Apple TV+ throughout 2023, as highlighted by subscription analytics company Antenna. Apple TV+ offers a rich variety of shows and movies, including popular titles like “For All Mankind,” “Severance,” and “CODA.” The subscription is available for $6.99 per month, providing engaging content for viewers.
Apple’s Landmark Deal with MLS
Apple’s strategic approach to content expansion encompasses partnerships with influential organizations. Notably, in June, Apple inked a groundbreaking 10-year agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to broadcast media rights via its Apple TV+ streaming service.
Selena Gomez watched Messi and knew there was more to life than Apple Music and Grammys pic.twitter.com/F2neUmwACP
— THE CHEF🧑🏽🍳 (@_Jeddd_) September 4, 2023
Diverse Pricing Tiers
The MLS Season Pass, available through Apple TV+, presents an intriguing pricing structure. For subscribers of Apple TV+, the cost is $12.99 per month or $25 per season. For those without an existing Apple TV+ subscription, the pricing adjusts to $14.99 per month or $29 per season, providing flexibility to a wide audience.
CEO Tim Cook’s Insights
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, acknowledged the positive impact of Lionel Messi’s involvement and the MLS partnership on Apple TV+. Speaking during a recent earnings call, Cook underscored the significance of original content, with sport being a pivotal narrative element. He emphasized the thriving partnership with MLS, exceeding expectations in terms of subscribers. The buzz generated by Messi’s transition to Inter Miami further bolstered the platform’s growth trajectory.
With a compelling blend of sports and original content, Apple’s streaming services continue to resonate with a diverse audience, setting the stage for an engaging digital entertainment experience.