Streaming

Major League Soccer (MLS) will transition to Apple TV+ in 2026, ending the separate MLS Season Pass subscription. This move, stemming from a 10-year media rights deal initiated in 2022, aims to broaden MLS’s reach and consolidate sports viewing, addressing the fragmentation of streaming services. The shift coincides with MLS’s effort to capitalize on soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S. and aligns its schedule with global leagues, starting in 2027. The league has seen fandom increase in recent years after global superstar Lionel Messi started playing for Inter Miami CF.

Warner Music Group (WMG) [NASDAQ: WMG] announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable on December 2, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 19, 2025. This reflects WMG’s confidence in its financial state. The company, owning labels like Atlantic and Warner Records, strategically invests in emerging artists and technologies. However, challenges like piracy and evolving streaming economics exist. Investors should review WMG’s SEC filings, as this announcement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties.

YouTube TV and Disney face a carriage dispute with a deadline of October 30th. Failure to reach an agreement would remove Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN from YouTube TV. Disney accuses Google of exploitation, while YouTube TV argues Disney’s terms are too costly and favor Disney’s own streaming services. A key sticking point is YouTube TV’s request to integrate Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ directly into its platform, a request Disney is unlikely to grant. The outcome will significantly impact both companies’ distribution strategies and subscriber bases.

Netflix’s Q3 earnings were impacted by a Brazilian tax dispute, causing a stock dip. However, analysts remain confident in Netflix’s dominance, evidenced by media companies’ strategic shifts. The success of original content, like “KPop Demon Hunters” (325M+ views), drove record ad sales. Netflix’s focus on culturally relevant content and subscriber engagement remains a key advantage. Separately, gold’s surge in 2025 is attributed to trade concerns, anticipated rate cuts, and a weaker dollar, with investors seeking safe havens against potential currency devaluation.

Netflix’s Q3 earnings missed expectations due to a Brazilian tax dispute, although revenue met forecasts. Despite this, analysts foresee continued streaming dominance, fueled by hits like “KPop Demon Hunters.” Legacy media companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast’s NBCUniversal are evolving. India may reduce oil purchases from Russia for a trade deal with the U.S., while Japan’s exports show recovery signs. UK conglomerates are declining, contrasting with the U.S. model.

Apple’s Eddy Cue outlined the company’s strategy for sports rights, focusing on innovation and differentiated experiences. While interested in acquiring rights, Apple seeks opportunities to deliver something “unique and special,” aiming to disrupt traditional broadcasting models. Cue highlighted issues like blackouts and content fragmentation, referencing Apple TV+’s MLS broadcasting as an example of improvement. Apple is experimenting with broadcasting techniques, seeking a “level of differentiation” by improving video quality and exploring unconventional camera angles. The company views sports rights as a way to reshape how sports are consumed globally.

Conservative Broadcast Media & Journalism (CBMJ), parent of Patriot.TV, reports exceptional stock performance, surging +296.48% in the last month, outperforming major media competitors. The growth is attributed to its digital-first strategy, original programming launches under CEO JD Rucker, and a partnership with Evergreen Media Partners. Patriot.TV reached 1.6 million monthly viewers on Rumble, amid declines at traditional media outlets like Newsmax, Fox, and Disney. The company emphasizes delivering “fact-based, pro-America content.”