The Varsity Netflix’s UFC Gamble & ESPN’s Streaming Calculus
Jan 26, 2025
Michael Nathanson, a senior research analyst at Moffitt Nathanson with expertise in media and sports business, joins to delve into pressing topics in sports broadcasting. They explore Netflix's potential bid for UFC rights and the challenges of building a sustainable pay-per-view model. The viability of ESPN's streaming strategy is also a key focus, alongside Fox Sports' need for innovation. The discussion highlights the shifting landscape of sports media and the need for traditional networks to adapt to stay competitive.
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Cord-Cutting's Inevitable March
- Cord-cutting is a march toward zero, but a floor of 50 million subscribers likely exists due to sports fans.
- Innovation in bundling sports and news is increasing, but pricing remains too high, hindering wider adoption.
Small Cable's Bold Move
- Smaller cable operators dropping video altogether have seen increased profitability.
- This isn't a trend for larger companies but highlights the diminishing value of video.
Charter's Smart Bundling
- Charter's strategy of bundling streaming services with cable packages offers consolidated content and user-friendly features.
- Pricing needs to be competitive with alternatives like YouTube TV to attract and retain subscribers.