Additional Content
If you want to read/learn even more about MLBAM, BAM Tech and the niche, here are some suggested articles since the February interview, as well as others from days gone by for greater context.
(May 30, 2016) SportsBusiness Journal’s Fisher indicates a funding deal for BAM Tech is in the works with a possible announcement at the August owners meetings. - link
(May 25, 2016) Fitch Ratings affirmed an ‘A’ rating for MLB’s $1.05B senior secured credit facility and around $955M in term notes. TV contracts and “the diversity of MLB revenues from MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) and revenue sharing has bolstered individual team financial health…Revenue derived from MLBAM provides additional cash flow that marginally reduces leverage on an individual franchise basis. MLB's leverage is comparable with the NFL's (League-wide, Football Funding and Football Trust rated 'A'/Outlook Stable) leverage of approximately 1.74x and lower than the NBA's (Hardwood Funding, LLC, 'A-'/Outlook Stable).†In a rough nutshell, MLBAM has been a huge reason MLB is in very solid financial condition. Again, that’s MLBAM, which includes the built-in content of baseball, not BAM Tech, which is the spin-out, but it’s still a notable piece of the MLB narrative. - link
(May 23, 2016) It’s very important to note MLBAM is not the only white label solution in the sports industry. NBC announced at the end of May plans to launch ‘Playmaker Media’ to compete with the likes of BAM and others. NBC/Playmaker has been streaming sporting events since 2006 and the upcoming Summer Olympics will be a huge first client. NBC Sports Group General Manager of Digital Media Cordella: “The growing demand for live streaming support in the marketplace combined with our experience and expertise make this the perfect time to launch Playmaker.†- link
(April 15, 2016) recode reports Disney is negotiating to acquire an equity portion of BAM Tech. recode’s Kafka: “An ownership stake in a Web video operation could help the company launch and operate new digital services aimed at replacing some of the pay TV revenue that’s at risk from cord-cutters and people who never sign up for pay TV. Industry sources speculate that a Disney investment in BAM Tech would include an option to eventually buy a controlling stake in the company.†The valuation of $3B is thrown out as a possibility for BAM Tech. - link
(August 14, 2015) Turner paid $200M for a stake in iStreamPlanet, a competitor of BAM’s which has previously worked with Viacom, AMC Networks, Fox & NBC Sports. Turner Chief Executive Martin: “This partnership will expand our capabilities to offer live events within and outside of the traditional ecosystem and, by bringing iStreamPlanet’s innovative technology in-house, allow us to cultivate future business opportunities on digital platforms.†- link
(July 13, 2015) Bowman shot down rumors that BAM Tech would be taken public right off the bat (pun intended), “There probably won’t be an IPO. We’re going to carve out our technology business, and we're talking to about dozens of strategic investors.†Interestingly, the time line for investment moves nearly a year ago was a rough date of the 2015 World Series that has since come and gone. This piece from CNBC also mentions the WWE Network as a partner of MLBAM. Also from Bowman: “Baseball's been growing 15 to 20 percent a year, and the outside business has been growing 20 to 30 percent.†- link
(March 19, 2012) If you really want to dig-in on the operational and technological guts of MLBAM, this 2012 piece from Fast Company is when I can remember first saying, “Oh my.†Much of the tech ability is still eye-opening and now MLBAM has had four more years to test, iterate and implement cutting edge stuff. - link
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