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World Soccer XXXI: Golden Generation?
- Thread starter Jimjamesak
- Start date
MichVandal
Well-known member
Why are so many people surprised that ESPN is basically phoning in the World Cup?
Did ANYONE expect them to actually give a crap other that their soccer show? This is a channel that covered the NBA many times over than the NHL even though they didn't show any of the NBA games until the end, and they covered (even partially) the entire Stanley Cup Playoff? This channel is a joke for real sports coverage. And it's sad that they have some better talking heads than the fox sports channels- who have the older cast offs of ESPN.
They could have made actual money by better covering the NHL, since they could have used better ratings for that. But they are so dumb that they tried to force eyeballs to a totally different channel. And their expensive NBA and NFL contracts are exactly why they are failing financially.
So I don't really understand the outrage from such a shadow of a sports channel. This is exactly what is expected.
Did ANYONE expect them to actually give a crap other that their soccer show? This is a channel that covered the NBA many times over than the NHL even though they didn't show any of the NBA games until the end, and they covered (even partially) the entire Stanley Cup Playoff? This channel is a joke for real sports coverage. And it's sad that they have some better talking heads than the fox sports channels- who have the older cast offs of ESPN.
They could have made actual money by better covering the NHL, since they could have used better ratings for that. But they are so dumb that they tried to force eyeballs to a totally different channel. And their expensive NBA and NFL contracts are exactly why they are failing financially.
So I don't really understand the outrage from such a shadow of a sports channel. This is exactly what is expected.
ticapnews
Never graduate.
Disney is trying to drive viewers to other Disney programming. That means the NBA, NFL, NHL and college sports. Disney is not in the business of informing viewers or even entertaining viewers. Disney is in the business of making money and maximizing shareholder value. Listen to one of their earnings calls. It's all "revenue" and "profit" and the only time viewers are mentioned is when the COO discusses ratings on big ticket items like the NBA Finals or the College Football championship, and how that translates to advertising dollars. All of Disney is trying to push eyeballs to D+ or ESPN+, drive people to the theme parks, cruise lines or into the wonderful world of merchandise. If you aren't on ESPN you may as well not even exist. The World Cup and the Olympics are the most obvious examples.
Fox knows this because it operates the same way when it can.
Fox knows this because it operates the same way when it can.
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
That's just... no it's not.
EPL, and English soccer in general, are notoriously more physical than anywhere else. English referees also don't punish tackles that would be red cards elsewhere.
I haven't really noticed that referees having been letting more go. In fact, there's been heavy criticism about how too many fouls have been called in games. I do think there's a been a noticeable hesitation to call penalty kicks though.
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
The laws have changed on players going down for injury which has helped. A player who has to be treated has to stay off the field for one minute afterwards (unless it was from a foul that was punished with a yellow or red card).
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
It is interesting because it does seem to be signaling that ESPN and Disney aren't going to bid on the upcoming round of World Cup rights.
That said, it'll be fascinating who does bid for the rights for the next World Cups. Fox will undoubtedly be wanting to keep the rights but Comcast (NBC) and Paramount (CBS and Turner) will likely be bidding too.
Kepler
Si certus es dubita
Might be purely streaming entities by then.
ticapnews
Never graduate.
They have the concept of a plan...
No one is really sure what ESPN's future is. Does Disney want to keep it and roll ESPN+ into Disney+ entirely, or sell ESPN to some other buyer and replenish the cash reserves after the expensive Fox deal? Is Disney positioning itself to be bought by Apple? Does it become more or less attractive to Apple if it keeps the broadcast side? What does the new Disney CEO want? Once people know that, the future of ESPN will be set. Until then it will remain rudderless.
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
FIFA has pretty strict requirements about World Cup games being available on over the air broadcast TV so any streamer like Apple or Netflix would have to find someone to sublicense the rights with.
Though FIFA did sign with Netflix for the next two Women's World Cups, it is the Women's World Cup which they've struggled to find broadcasters for in other countries and a significantly lower priority for FIFA.
Jimjamesak
Already insane, UAA making it worse
3-0 Japan now.
Seems like changing coaches didn’t really work for Tunisia.
Seems like changing coaches didn’t really work for Tunisia.