Apple TV is primarily recognized for its high-profile TV series and films, yet recent findings suggest that sports have emerged as a crucial factor in attracting new subscribers. A report by Antenna reveals that Major League Baseball (MLB) games have surpassed popular programs such as “The Morning Show” in gaining new sign-ups during the 2025 baseball season.
### MLB Games Lead Apple TV’s Subscription Growth
The data indicates that MLB games were the foremost reason for new subscriptions on Apple TV between April and September 2025. A notable matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees in May led to 722,000 new sign-ups, making it the highest event during that period. In fact, out of the ten largest sign-up events, six were individual baseball games.
Here’s the complete breakdown of the top ten signup contributors for Apple TV during this timeframe:
1. Dodgers vs. Yankees (May): 722k
2. Yankees vs. Phillies (July): 698k
3. Phillies vs. Mets (June): 631k
4. The Morning Show: 524k
5. Your Friends & Neighbors: 514k
6. Phillies vs. Dodgers (April): 473k
7. Stick: 443k
8. Mets vs. Dodgers (May): 426k
9. Giants vs. Rangers (April): 375k
10. Chief of War: 370k
While Apple does not publicly reveal precise subscriber totals or which shows contribute most to new subscriptions, Antenna is acknowledged for its accurate streaming subscription statistics.
### The Effect of Sports on Subscription Growth
The effect of a single sports game on subscription figures is significant. Many viewers, including those who subscribed to alternative streaming platforms for specific NFL games, can identify with this pattern. However, it remains unclear whether fans who joined solely for MLB games have continued their subscriptions afterward. Reports suggest that baseball enthusiasts might be less likely to retain their subscriptions due to the limited sports options available on Apple TV. Still, the initial sign-ups have made a substantial impact, even if some have subsequently canceled.
In 2026, Apple TV plans to enhance its sports content by offering full access to Formula 1 and Major League Soccer (MLS) games, in addition to MLB, at no extra charge. This enhancement will be critical in evaluating the ongoing influence of sports on the platform’s expansion.
### Subscription Pricing
At present, Apple TV is priced at just $5.99 per month, showcasing acclaimed series and films like “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “Pluribus.” Subscribers can also enjoy Apple TV as part of the Apple One bundle.
In summary, while Apple TV has carved out a niche as a source of premium television and film, the rising influence of sports on subscriber growth should not be ignored. As the platform continues to broaden its range of offerings, it will be intriguing to observe how sports content affects its future achievements.
