Apple's Football Masterplan, Explained

Dive into how Apple, the tech giant that turned your grandma into a tablet user, is now aiming to shake up the sports world. From reinventing our desks with sleek computers to revolutionizing the way we ignore people with earbuds in, Apple's next playground is sports. They're not just dipping their toes; they're doing a cannonball into the sports broadcasting pool with deals like the $2.5 billion splash for MLS rights.
Apple's plan? To wrap sports in that classic Apple magic, making everything from watching a game to paying for your halftime snacks a part of their ecosystem. With iPhone sales hitting a bit of a snooze button, Tim Cook and the gang are looking to score big by bringing the thrill of live sports right into the Apple universe. It's all about pulling you deeper into their world - where leaving is tougher than quitting a gym membership in January.
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⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Apple is getting into sports
00:39 How Apple Makes Money
02:55 Why Apple Has A Problem
04:04 The Ultimate Media Property
05:45 Building a sportsOS
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Athletic Interest is a video essay series that investigates business stories from the world of sports.
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📚 Sources
[1]www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/te...
[2] data.worldbank.org/indicator/...
[3] fourweekmba.com/apple-revenue...
[4]de.statista.com/statistik/dat...
[5]www.statista.com/statistics/2...
[6]www.sportico.com/business/med...
[7]www.theguardian.com/media/202...
[8] JacobFeldman4/sta...
#apple #messi #intermiamicf

[@trunghoadang3710]

I don't think I heard anything about Apple paying for Messi in this video.

[@jamesantoniou7802]

i think his meaning Messi going to inter Miami with their rights for MLS

[@claycopter]

They probably had the video prepared for a while and couldn't believe their luck when Messi did actually go to Inter Miami with Apple funding the deal.

[@AthleticInterest]

@@claycopter this is exactly what happened :)

[@PanikStudios]

I guess it's implicit in the mention of the $2.5 billion media rights deal with MLS, which via revenue sharing, goes to Inter Miami. Thus Apple 'paid' for Messi, since a good chunk of Inter Miami's spending money comes from Apple. What's not mentioned is that Apple is also directly paying Messi by giving him royalties for MLS season pass and the documentary they're releasing on him.

[@RBzee112]

Great video, with clickbaity title. But, the truth is that money came to the Premier League first, then the quality improved after. Not before.

[@jaymata1218]

I was honestly surprised to learn just how involved apple was in MLS.

[@AKUNJIG]

The Moment Apple made the Announcement, I knew that they'll bring in Innovation for the League. Just the No Blackout Model alone is great. For example, in 2022 I searched a Dodgy Stream to watch my Club while in London. In 2023, I just logged into my Apple TV while in London.

[@oscardavila8653]

I had no idea that Apple bought the rights to the MLS as I mainly only watch European football.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

@@AKUNJIG I watched the very first MLS game live on TV. DC United at San Jose Clash. Followed the league religiously. It’s mind boggling What’s happened since then. The fact that a 5’8 guy can be the best player in the world is huge for kids in this country.

[@optimusblack3]

It’s actually better to be on the smaller side of size in soccer. Since the ball is mostly on the ground most of the best players are not huge.

[@tobyv6087]

@@optimusblack3 it’s better for a winger like messi, not for defensive players

[@ozonehephzibah6949]

The research, the comprehensiveness, the pacing of the video, the graphics, the aesthetics, the delivery and the overall feel of your videos is just something to be amazed about. Thank you for your videos.

[@AthleticInterest]

Thank you Ozone!

[@DefaultName]

Surely, that's why they put Messi on the titlebut don't even mention it a single time in the whole video 👍

[@msonix]

And the voice. The voice is perfect. Thank you @athleticinterest

[@Good-ke5tk]

My generation don’t look at the news we make fun of the news

[@HarveySpecterYT]

Yes. Also the narration. To our dear narrator, please don't switch to a different channel. @AthleticInterest

[@devanshtiwari2067]

Watched every single video of this channel under one day of release My loyalty is towards athletic interest

[@gonzaljf95]

Hopefully with this, the US will begin to adapt some ideas from the rest of the world and grow the sport. Interested in seeing how apple takes advantage of messi coming to the mls

[@diazclemenza3591]

In the US its like a tournament instead of a competition. Also that teams can't relegate and make promotion is bad to establish a base line of quality and growth. They need to get rid of that system and play in a league with 20 teams that all play twice to each other. I don't know if thats doable with the distance to travel. I also believe that the Canadian teams should play in the Canadian competition that way they would help the rest of their country to make it more competitive.

[@darma8159]

They'll take advantage likely by continuing their war against all competitors and other companies. Scary monopoly indeed.

[@whoknocks7]

the amount of quality that there is in this videos is crazy, I mean honestly this channel is mad underrated (pls also keep making f1 videos, I love them).

[@lewismutwiri8871]

@TheAthleticInterest. Please do a video on Saudi Arabia Football Transfers from Europe and the likely net effect in Saudi & Europe in the long run. Thanks for the good work so far!

[@ankurm4100]

Excellent request.. @Athletic Interest has already done something on "Sportswashing".. this could look beyond sportswashing.

[@yunishajjz]

​@@ankurm4100 they want strengthen their world cup Bid coming in 2030😁.

[@hiufgterde]

Even if you would manage to get the majority of all great players in KSA, people would still prefer watching the Serie A, Premier League, Bundesliga or La Liga. It's about performing in those leagues along with the champions league. People are not getting hooked on the KSA league or MLS.......they have tried that so many times before going back to the 70's even.

[@zogratis01]

Messi can make real football bigger in the USA!

[@chiggsytube]

Nope.

[@HAL--gb6uf]

As someone who lives in the US, Don't think that'll happen anytime soon

[@zogratis01]

@@HAL--gb6uf It will happen, messi is the biggest sports star and influencer in the world.

[@StuttGooner]

@@HAL--gb6uf with the upcoming world cup in the US and a USMNT team with potential to go further than the round of 16 and the best footballer player of all time still half in his prime arriving it could spark something. If the USMNT is able to progress past, the round of 16, Pulisic, Balogun, Adams and McKennie will become nationwide know, if they make it to the semis football might break into the top 3 sports in the US.

[@Bryan3on]

LMAO He don't even speak English what makes you think he can influence the US.

[@KnightMaf]

I hope Apple doesn't do this for two reasons, one it will be expensive in terms of season subscriptions as they will want exclusive rights or something similar to that.Second, they will force ecosystem thing to everyone by not giving good experience for everyone outside the ecosystem.

[@spooky.-]

You can’t hope they already have the rights.

[@danbo967]

Existing streaming services are already expensive (35€ and more per month). It can't get much more expensive than that. Amazon has fairly reasonable prices for football matches and if Apple benefits from the devices they sell they will likely subsidize the subscription price to be lower than existing streaming services (sky/dazn/etc.)

[@KnightMaf]

@@danbo967 True the prices are already expensive. I just don't think Apple will subsidize the price for those with hardware, we know Apple loves money more so if they got almost exclusive rights, they will charge premium

[@danbo967]

​@@KnightMaf I mean what would be the point of offering a football stream that is more expensive than the competition ? Apple has to offer their product either at the same price as the competition whilst offering a better experience or offer it cheaper to gain customers. Apple TV+ for example is cheaper than Disney+ and Netflix.

[@bruxi78230]

@Knight Maf ----- They already do Apple TV+ and Apple Music on non-ecosystem devices like Androids and Samsung TVs. They realize they're not going to get 100% of any market. There is no upside for Apple by offering a poor experience to anyone who is paying for a subscription.

[@yespaul1807]

Been waiting to see if you would have a video on this.

[@bharatavarsha10k]

Another masterclass by Athletic Interest ⭐ I wonder how you keep up doing these wonderful videos with such high quality. I really wish more people look into your videos and hopefully Apple or Microsoft sponsors one of your videos with big bucks 😉😉..

[@joshuakosamu7765]

Your background soundtrack is just too cool! I makes watching your videos all the enjoyable🤙

[@marioandwes]

Great video. The only thing that wasn’t mentioned was that Apple may say that they wanna keep prices reasonable, but if they have a streaming monopoly there’s really nothing that can be done against that. it’s a risk moving forward..

[@johanmbaabu1580]

great content there man always being a fan, I like the way you give perfect detailed explanation, don't take to long before releasing new videos

[@kripauppal]

Top class content guys, this is analysis with between the lines business approach aka ecosystem, kudos!

[@errorcode4858]

Love the videos, would be cool to see one about the NHL maybe about how it lost so much market share, seems up ur alley Keep up the good work

[@ONE_UMMAH_TOGETHER]

Great Video Athletic Interest. Always uploading top quality videos. Can you make a video on jobs in sports

[@aguyfromnothere]

Multiple people who used Vision Pro for the sports part said they would buy the vision Pro and pay to watch games that way it was so good.

[@Aaka90]

Wow amazing what a editing , motion graphics so good . Thank you for creating this type of content .

[@michaelbball2028]

Love your content, business side of sports is so intriguing

[@nuriddintursunpulat327]

Man, your content is truly amazing!!!

[@papayapie2]

really liked the work put in in this video

[@Lokolokongo]

I never akip any of your videos been there from the begining always love your work🎉

[@DebajitDeka2007]

Messi are really going at inter miami

[@reasondro]

*is 🤓

[@thguzzo17]

Yes, all Messis of them

[@dblock2nphilly]

It is always a joy to watch your videos! Thank you!

[@acloverone]

Awesome content. Love your style and the glow effect. Your articulation makes it look so easy. Subscribed !

[@AthleticInterest]

Thank you Clover!

[@ItsJesssee]

It’s probably the smartest thing they’ll have done Messi and Ronaldo are the biggest faces on planet earth!

[@Villytake56499]

I totally agree, people underestimate athletes fame and influence

[@Elbasilius]

watch some people argue Andrew tate is as big as them

[@macgmol159]

​@CucciDaddy andrew tate is very famous, but nowhere as messi and ronaldo, plus he got a lot of haters i mean actual haters that wants him to be dead unlike messi or ronaldo so andrew never gonna be big as lovable famous person

[@JobHans]

Who? There are only a few people as popular as them with the likes of some world leaders etc

[@BabbyCat3008]

Penaldo in camel league

[@abhinandannayak7224]

Always Precise.. and I love your Ending TUNE 🎶🎶

[@aniketsinghvats767]

Your videos are pure gem mate! and it reignites my interest in business the way you connect sports and business is truly unbelievable and magical. Also please try to make a video on Jio. They are streaming sports in India for free. Why? Only you can give the accurate answer.......

[@mrbabyhugh]

My first video from you and this, your work I can tell is EXCELLENT.

[@AthleticInterest]

Welcome aboard!

[@aishwaryadorge2759]

Loved the content that you make.

[@tarushjain]

Well played with the TITLE ... Great Job.👍👏

[@davideccles1948]

Pure class as usual guys!

[@serano5023]

The closing music!! 😍😍

[@moemahmud]

Great informative video with high production value as always. Just a quick question if you don’t mind, at 7:43 how does Apple have $2,710b to spend compared to the other major broadcasters having between $10-30b? Where did you get these figures? Apple’s financials for the year ending 2022 shows cash & cash equivalents of max $20.5billion. Kindly explain as I would really want to understand.

[@MIAKY]

I loved how you made a large potion of the video non sports related and made it so interesting. Opportunity for making another channel

[@Curcassian4ever]

subscribed. Top quality video and analysis!

[@noskillzleague]

great video and I agree. Also, you will pay to watch the game from normal broadcast, but you will pay double to watch it in VR from the sideline or player cam. Going to be more and more immersive!

[@justiceo1791]

Bro, keep it up. Luv your content.

[@raghavmalhotra5213]

This video is simply incredible. Keep up the good work.

[@thecarlhinkson]

Another amazing video. You guys keep up the great work 👏🏾

[@AthleticInterest]

Thanks Carl!

[@rendyalam6628]

Love you vid ❤

[@beforedrrdpr]

Just as expected, very well documented. Also thanks for the insights

[@AdarshKumar-nj7rp]

Would also like your take on the influx of top dog players in Saudi League and the head spinning salaries they pay.

[@yusufbaykan4484]

I am not a good english speaker or listener but I just enjoying watching your videos thank you for you are using words which is easy to understand I just discovered your channel this morning and I already watched 2-3 videos.

[@AthleticInterest]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@FranciscoOrtiz]

Probably the best video I'v watched on KZbin this year 👏

[@AthleticInterest]

What a review! Thank you! 😀

[@18savage11]

what an amazing video, Suscribed

[@cleriograziano4358]

This Channel has been incredible from Day one, explaining video in a simplicity like any other… however on this one I think missed more details about the link between Messi contract itself and the MLS and apple. Could be easier, especially because of the title other wise can mistakenly be interpreted as a click bait. But great content anyway!

[@dragosdydy]

Their video was created before Messi joined Inter Miami. They've used the opportunity to attract more attention. We should not blame them for click bait, they have great content, if this is helping them increase the views and subscribers and grow the channel, let's support them. Even if the title is not 100% describing the content of the video, I think it's a great choice for attracting attention and helping the channel grow, so we can get even more nice videos in the future. Thanks!

[@45sutanisurasu98]

I was waiting for this video

[@sayanneogy3079]

You just never Disappoint... Your channel deserves billion subs... I cannot believe i am watching this content for free... It's almost like a masterclass...

[@cesarbarbosa8875]

this is one of the best videos u did so far!

[@AthleticInterest]

Thanks, César! 🙂

[@egorbodrov4283]

I 'm not the biggest fan of apple , I only have a macbook and airpods , but I admire the ability to make new products ( or present old products as something new) and look for new sources of income , really incredible company

[@HolaHola-tq8xx]

Very well done

[@MatasAdventures]

very interesting video!

[@statego]

Good video 🔥

[@historynarazdva]

5:14 what song is playing in the background does anybody know?

[@gorkagarcia8715]

Great video

[@josemairena4747]

great job

[@AthleticInterest]

Thank you!

[@matheuskatzer7789]

Thank you for providing such great contents! It would be awesome if you could provide portuguese subtitles so i could show the videos to my dad. :)

[@nemer473]

Should be an interesting season for everyone.

[@shubhojitghosh69]

Nice video athletic interest

[@lewellynjnr.tjakaurua177]

Exceptional KZbin Channel 🙏🏽💯

[@jayreal2084]

You guys are awesome. I literally binged all your videos LMAOOO

[@showtimeblc]

One of the best youtube chanels out there!

[@jaha6251]

Kudos to you! such an amazing analysis and presentation. Great job.

[@gxguy2906]

Imagine Apple buying the league and experimenting with their VisionOS. That would be insane. They could sell that technology right to other sports and leagues around the world.

[@darma8159]

Or using that vision to analyze players and steal their talent into a computer.... Sick 😮

[@leninvora]

This is where Apple has decided to “Think Different” I see what you did there 👏🏼

[@90Minutes_]

Amazing vid

[@NinhNguyen]

Imagine in the near future, they 3D map a stadium and all player in real time, then stream that right to your headset, and by wearing their headset you can put yourself in any position on the field as the game was happening. What a sport viewing experience that must be.

[@joshuabeeker]

Phenomenal video as usual. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next one!!

[@AthleticInterest]

Thanks Joshua!

[@sparklingoracle]

The narration keeps you yearning. I was hanging on to every punctuation.

[@maximecj5095]

Came on time 🙏🏻

[@JimTheFly]

That was a subtle burn there comparing an Apple future to 1984 - the exact thing that Apple claimed they were AGAINST when they aired their famous Super Bowl commercial - and doing so USING their own commercial.

[@DSparksable]

This was bloody brilliant! Didn't once mention Messi, but I'm not bothered about it! 👏

[@werale4136]

That could be the worst thing ever for football / sports in general

[@NahuelRanieri]

agree, only in the United States can it happen that one of the best players goes to a team that is LAST in its league. It clearly goes by what the standard of living in the USA means, not by the level of football.

[@NanobanaKinako]

A crab once said, I like money! Okay, I'll going home to watch Apple Miami in iSoccer 💀

[@getnoscoped864]

Most channels ran by multi-million dollar companies don't have vids as well made as yours, keep it up bro

[@pranayroy7874]

Whats the name of the song in conclusion ?

[@Macar14]

great channel

[@washingtonelvira5200]

It's funny how the video barely mentions or shows Messi lol. Nice content tho.

[@th-nn7mu]

What a PR team!!

[@monjurmorshed3342]

One of the best contents on youtube

[@1968harsh]

Hey isn’t it how sports streaming is anyway. This is exactly how sports is streamed in India. It’s especially seen in IPL where digital rights are sold separately. Maybe in Europe it does not work this way but Disney (through its subsidiary in India) already does this for EPL.

[@murgor]

great video

[@AthleticInterest]

Thanks!

[@MrDdeerr]

Another amazing video - thank you Athletic Interest :)

[@Nuetada2011]

My mans faster als die Polizei erlaubt

[@taongaluo9937]

With the vision Pro coming out next year, i wouldn't be shocked if Apple try to create a new way of watching football compared to the traditional sit in front of a tv.

[@isaiahboamah3084]

“... or they will simply launch a new football with a pro version that costs twice as much but has a better camera and face ID...” 😁😁😁😁 genius

[@ekkekangur9737]

This video was : "ooh that's astonishing! absolutely world class!!!"

[@EricManzane]

desde el minuto 3:34 todo suena tan distopico que da mas miedo que alegria

[@joshua7563]

I love your voice and content

[@harshitmisra5965]

No mention of messi in video

[@adarsh1360]

felt like watching an ad,

[@goated3285]

We are🤷🏽

[@mvuyisiqotyiwe3402]

Athletic Interest might be hinting on Chelsea FC next shirt sponsor...

[@shefalinigam3912]

This vid is gonna be your new most popular video Apple and Messi both in one vid Fans are gonna love it

[@jp2650]

8:38 🤣🤣

[@shivanshjhalani2826]

you should be a narrator for a movie. Your voice is made for it

[@baoquoc3710]

Pretty ironic in the "driverless apple car" as they just simply cut ties with the auto business 😂😂😂

[@charmgezos]

Ok, Vision Pro makes sense now

[@imviiku]

4:17 You Forgot to mention that this is a USA Top 100 not Worlds . FIFA WC , Cricket WC , EPL & IPL would be in the Top 100 not NFL