The NBA unveiled its new reimagined global app, which could "become a very big deal" because of the "idea of one digital storefront to sell the rights to view all of the league’s games, the implications of Sinclair potentially heading into bankruptcy and what the app could mean for the next national TV rights negotiations," according to Andrew Marchand of the N.Y. POST. Some highlights of the updated app: global availability, wall-to-wall content from every game, continued development of alternative ways to view games, behind-the-scenes access to players/teams, classic games and access to NBA League Pass at $14.99 per month or $99.99 for the whole season. Marchand wondered, “Why would the NBA do that?” The nature of distribution "has changed," which has "resulted in those with the most vital content having more power." Though a content provider such as the NBA still can "enjoy the fruits of the old model -- and does, via its cable and broadcast TV deals" -- it can increasingly see a world where it can "leverage even more billions of dollars in future deals." This is happening while the cable model is "under extreme pressure, especially with Sinclair Broadcast Group flirting with bankruptcy." The NBA is "watching what MLS is doing with Apple," as the tech giant will "sell MLS subscriptions all over the world." However, Marchand notes it is "debatable whether this approach will work with MLS," which is "merely a top-10 league in the world and nowhere near the best." The NBA, however, is "one-of-one in professional basketball" (N.Y. POST, 10/3).
