Apple TV app comes to Android
Apple expanded outside the company’s ecosystem with the launch of Apple TV+ on Android. Android users can now watch Apple TV+ content, MLB, and MLS games on their devices. The app contains four categories: Apple TV+, MLS, Downloads, and Search. The Apple TV+ category will list personalized content based on your viewing habits while MLS offers a plethora of soccer content. The app will also include the “Continue Watching” feature which picks up where a user left off, and Watchlist which keeps track of content they want to watch later.
The Circana Take:
- Apple’s expansion is timed for the MLS and MLB 2025 seasons, providing greater reach to sports fans.
SNY to offer DTC streaming service
SNY which broadcasts NY Mets games locally is releasing a DTC streaming service allowing Mets fans without cable and fans out of market to watch games. Only a few other teams offer services that allow subscribers to watch the games without a cable subscription and SNY is the first third-party regional sports network to offer the services in partnership with MLB. This deal includes highlights, live stats, and a bundle that allows fans access to Mets games in-market through SNY and all other out-of-market games through MLB.tv. The price tag for the new service is $24.99/month, $124.99/season, and $149.99/year. This is important for Mets fans as their off-season acquisitions (including slugger Juan Soto) have increased their chances to win the World Series.
The Circana Take:
- RSNs have been challenged to find their way in the declining cable market. The new SNY app will demonstrate if a large market club can be successful on its own with a lofty $25/month price tag.