Mets second game of the season to air exclusively on streaming service

Mets second game of the season to air exclusively on streaming service

  • 24.03.2025 20:08
  • si.com
  • Keywords: Apple TV+ secures exclusive streaming rights for Friday Night Baseball, MLB partners with Apple for seven-year contract worth $595 million

The New York Mets' second game of the season, against the Houston Astros on March 28, will air exclusively on Apple TV+ as part of their Friday Night Baseball schedule. The streaming service's agreement with MLB includes additional games in May and June, with a cost of $9.99 per month for Apple TV+.

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Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple TV+ is the streaming service that will exclusively air the Mets' second game against the Astros. This partnership with MLB could potentially increase Apple's market share in sports streaming.

MLB

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

MLB has partnered with Apple TV+ for Friday Night Baseball, which is a significant deal that brings in $595 million over seven years. This partnership could enhance MLB's digital presence and revenue.

Mets

Mets

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: —

The Mets are benefitting from the exclusive streaming deal on Apple TV+, which can increase their visibility and potentially attract more fans through this platform.

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

Key Facts and Data Points:

  • Exclusive Streaming Deal: The Mets' second game against the Astros on March 28th will air exclusively on Apple TV+ as part of their Friday Night Baseball schedule.
  • Broadcast Team: The team includes play-by-play announcer, analyst, and field reporter (names not specified in the text).
  • Contract Details: Apple signed a seven-year deal with MLB in March 2022 worth $595 million.
  • Pricing: Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month, offering access to Friday Night Baseball and other original content.
  • Exclusivity Policy: Apple TV+ will not enforce exclusivity for high-profile games (e.g., Dodgers vs. Yankees), allowing local broadcasts on SNY and FOX.
  • National Televised Games: The Mets lead with 20 nationally televised games in the 2025 season, trailing only the Dodgers.

Market Trends and Business Impact:

  • Shift to Streaming: MLB's partnership with Apple marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting towards streaming platforms, reducing reliance on traditional cable networks like SNY.
  • Subscriber Acquisition: The deal positions Apple TV+ as a competitive platform for sports enthusiasts, potentially driving subscriber growth despite the $9.99/month fee.
  • Revenue Model Evolution: Traditional broadcasters (e.g., FOX, SNY) face reduced viewership and ad revenue due to exclusivity deals, forcing them to adapt their business models.

Competitive Dynamics:

  • MLB's Streaming Strategy: MLB is diversifying its media distribution by leveraging streaming platforms like Apple TV+, which could increase global reach and fan engagement.
  • Local Broadcasters' Challenges: Networks like SNY lose out on exclusive content, impacting their revenue streams and viewer loyalty.
  • Consumer Choice: Fans now have the option to access games through multiple platforms, increasing competition for eyeballs but potentially fragmenting audiences.

Strategic Considerations:

  • Content Monetization: Apple's investment in live sports underscores its strategy to differentiate itself in the streaming wars by offering unique content.
  • Regulatory Implications: The exclusivity policy may face scrutiny from regulators, particularly if it limits consumer choice or impacts local broadcasters' livelihoods.

Long-Term Effects:

  • Media Consumption Patterns: The trend toward exclusive streaming deals could redefine how fans consume sports content, potentially reducing cable subscriptions and altering ad spending patterns.
  • Global Expansion: MLB's partnership with Apple could expand its global audience, particularly in regions where traditional broadcasting is less prevalent.

This deal highlights the evolving landscape of sports media, emphasizing the growing role of streaming platforms while challenging traditional broadcasters to innovate and compete effectively.