College Football Players Get $600, Amazon Snags An Exclusive Playoff Game for $150 Million, And Apple Takes Its Next Step In Sports
Feb 24, 2024
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Topics covered in the podcast include EA Sports' new college football video game, Amazon's $150 million exclusive NFL playoff game deal, and Apple's new Sports app. Discover insights into sports business and industry dynamics.
EA Sports' new college football video game offers $600 and a free game to scholarship players, sparking debates on student athlete benefits.
Amazon's $150 million exclusive NFL playoff game deal faces challenges in attracting new sign-ups and competition with Peacock.
Deep dives
EA Sports College Football Video Game and NIL Contracts
EA Sports released details of NIL contracts for over 11,000 college football players for their new video game. Scholarship players will receive $600 in cash and a free game, sparking debates on whether this deal benefits student athletes. Despite some NFL players claiming their earnings are higher, the reality is that the deal aims to include a wide range of players, with only 1% having significant leverage.
Amazon's Exclusive Streaming Only NFL Playoff Game
Amazon secured exclusive rights to an NFL playoff game for $150 million, 36% more than Peacock paid just a month earlier. While Amazon's deal seems promising, challenges lie in attracting additional sign-ups as many football fans already have Amazon Prime for Thursday Night Football. Competition with Peacock, coming off a successful exclusive game, may impact Amazon's viewership results.
Apple's New Sports App
Apple introduced a sports-specific app for tracking scores, games, and streaming options, but it initially falls short in content coverage and usability. The app lacks multiple sports, historical data, and comprehensive player profiles. Despite current shortcomings, Apple's technological prowess and market reach suggest future improvements to deliver better sports content and viewing experiences.
Apple's Sports Rights Strategy
Apple's investments in sports rights, such as a $2.5 billion MLS deal and MLB broadcasting rights, signal a commitment to the sports industry. However, challenges exist in growing subscriber numbers and offering a comprehensive sports viewing experience. Potential advancements in sports tech, integration with Apple's hardware, and live rights acquisitions suggest a strategic focus on enhancing sports accessibility for global consumers.
Today’s podcast examines three of the hottest topics in sports business: 1) EA Sports’ new college football video game, 2) Amazon paying $150 million for an exclusive NFL playoff game, and 3) Apple’s new Sports app. Enjoy!