Apple (AAPL) releases its first sports app that provides real-time scores and statistical updates. Yahoo Finance reporters Josh Schafer, Brooke DiPalma and Pras Subramanian discuss the app's content prospects amid recent sports bundle trends among streaming providers.
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Editor's note: This article was written by luke carberry morgan.
video transcript
Josh Shafer: And today, we're starting with a new app from Apple: the Apple Sports app. This is probably Apple's attempt to drive more users to its streaming service. You know Apple has gotten into streaming sports, MLS, right? They're also working on sports-based documentaries.
There's a Patriots documentary that came out recently. In other words, they are becoming more involved in the sports field. The app will appear on the screen here. One of its key features is precisely the live score. There is also a live score.
Click on “Upcoming Games” to see the standings. There are several gambling lines out there. Honestly, Pass, this seems like a very surface-level app at this point, an app that's just been released and doesn't have all the features of some of my favorite sports apps.
I'm thinking of ESPN. When you click, you might see news about the app, see more videos about the app, or see other content. My favorite team here was the Boston Bruins. They've played in the NHL.
And it didn't help me much with the Bruins, but it was kind of an accomplishment for my service level. Again, the app has just started. Perhaps more features will be added.
Pras Subramanian: Yeah. So it's almost like an alpha stage right now, right? Basically, you can also add leagues that the NFL doesn't participate in. For example, I noticed that for some reason the NFL wasn't participating. Maybe it's because the season is over.
Or you can add your favorite team. And all you see is the score and upcoming matches, you can't click or get any news. There is no video component yet. But I think you're right.
Perhaps this is a way to drive users to the Apple TV app. There's a pretty cool way to do it. I have it, and it has some pretty cool ways to notify you when a certain game is coming up, how to watch it, etc. So perhaps that integration will happen later. But for now, I think the Yahoo Sports app is better. I think the ESPN app is better for both scores and video.
Brooke DiPalma: yes. That means you no longer need old Google to find out how your team is doing. That's all.
Josh Shafer: Get the app. There’s always an app for that, right Brooke?
Brooke DiPalma: I will. But I really think this app took a long time to come out because Apple is trying to make a mark in the sports field. I mean, I saw them do a halftime show with Usher. Well, they've been doing halftime shows for years.
It used to be PepsiCo. This shows that Apple is serious about getting into this space. Of course, Tim Cook is very excited about this and tweeted that he can't wait to use it during the 2024 MLS season, which starts tonight, right?
Josh Shafer: Yes Yes.
Brooke DiPalma: Or last night?
Josh Shafer: of course.
Brooke DiPalma: Between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake on Apple TV. So, really, they're just trying to see the benefit from this MLS partnership that they've done. I don't know if they're getting the full benefit they originally expected.
Josh Shafer: Well, right now it looks like the best use case is MLS, right? Because Apple has the content. For example, one of the things I love about the ESPN app is that ESPN has so many sports rights.
So when you click on a game, you can watch the game within that app, it creates more content within the app, and it also creates push notifications as Plus mentioned. So I think it's going to be interesting to see how Apple can leverage the app as they get more involved in sports and perhaps acquire more sports rights.
Brooke DiPalma: I think Sports Right will be a game changer for Apple TV. In addition to that, they also do the following – These stats are provided by DraftKings, right?
Josh Shafer: Yes Yes.
Brooke DiPalma: If so, where will that partnership develop? And how will they work together to ultimately grow this?
Josh Shafer: Brooke, we're always talking about betting lines.
Brooke DiPalma: I'm always thinking about betting lines.
Pras Subramanian: Tim Cook was also paying attention to Auburn fans, right? I think the same goes for alums. So maybe it's — he's an athlete, so let's see.
Josh Shafer: Go Tigers.
Pras Subramanian: Go Tigers, yes.
Josh Shafer: This applies to about half of the universities in the country.
Pras Subramanian: yes.
