UP356 The Bundle - The European soccer market, Netflix golf and Gen Z are revolting
Nov 24, 2023
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Regular co-hosts Yannick Ramcke and Murray Barnett discuss the European soccer market, Viaplay's exit, the impact of changing macroeconomic environment on sports leagues, the role of private owners in sports broadcasting, the challenges and opportunities in sports media rights, the impact of big tech on the industry, the future of women's football, the bankruptcy of Recast, the shift of NFL Network to OTT, Amazon's role in sports media, the impact of Gen Z on the industry, and the NFL's collaboration with Toy Story and Taylor Swift.
The NWSL's new deal has resulted in increased broadcast options and audience growth.
Recast's bankruptcy suggests challenges with implementation hindered its goal of engaging new fans.
The NFL Network's shift to OTT allows them to cater to changing viewing habits and reach wider audiences.
Deep dives
New Deal boosts NWSL's record-breaking growth
The NWSL recently secured a new deal as the most desirable property in the market, leading to increased broadcast options and a 21% rise in audience and attendance. Additionally, all US sponsors have increased their media investment, offsetting costs for broadcasters.
Recast bankruptcy highlights challenges of micro-transactions
Recast, a company that aimed to make sports more accessible and engaging for the new generation of fans through micro-transactions, has filed for bankruptcy. While the concept was valid, challenges with implementation and friction in buying recast currency may have hindered its success.
NFL Network goes OTT to distance itself from satellite and cable TV
The NFL Network, no longer tied to traditional satellite and cable TV distributors, has decided to go over-the-top (OTT) and deliver content directly to consumers. This move allows them to cater to changing viewing habits and reach audiences who are moving away from bundled cable packages.
Amazon's Sports Talk Liner targets filler content
Contrary to speculation about Amazon's push into live sports acquisition, their focus seems to be on leveraging key events to drive subscriptions and bring new viewers to Prime Video, rather than becoming a full-fledged sports broadcaster. Their strategy centers on a few major live events and filler content like studio shows.
The Taylor Swift effect creates NFL shop window
Taylor Swift's collaboration with the NFL provided a shop window that showcased the league to new fans. While it generated significant buzz and exposure, the long-term impact may be dependent on establishing a consistent presence and cross-pollination of interests, rather than relying solely on one-off events.
NFL and Toy Story collaboration boosts viewer engagement
The NFL's collaboration with Toy Story characters in a telecast was well-received and ignited interests among non-traditional NFL fans. However, it is uncertain if viewership for NFL games on platforms told through Toy Story characters will be sustained or if it remains a niche marketing strategy.
What you need to know about what's happening in the sports media and streaming market, with regular co-hosts Yannick Ramcke and Murray Barnett. We analyse both sides of the negotiation table ahead of a busy time for European soccer league rights deals. From Viaplay's exit, Premier League go to market strategy and Ligue 1 reserve prices through to the NFL, Taylor Swift and Toy Story, via ESPN Bet, Amazon and Recast. So, a broad church.
00:00 Introduction to Unofficial Partner 00:22 Exploring AI Language in Podcasts 01:01 Media Rights Activity in European Football Leagues 04:38 Understanding the Process of Buying Sports Media Rights 06:36 The Future of Viaplay and the impact of it's exit strategy 07:39 Implications of Changing Macroeconomic Environment on Sports Leagues 12:01 The Role of Private Owners in Sports Broadcasting 13:07 The Challenges and Opportunities in Sports Media Rights 24:31 The Impact of Big Tech 29:56 Sports Media and Fan Engagement 34:42 Role of Betting in Sports Media 43:35 The Future of Women's Football and NWSL's New Deal 44:04 The Bankruptcy of Recast and its Implications 44:54 The Shift of NFL Network to OTT 46:15 All roads lead to Amazon in Sports Media 46:31 The Impact of Gen Z on Sports Media 47:46 The Taylor Swift Effect on NFL 48:43 The NFL and Toy Story Collaboration
Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartner