Bowman: More Likely To Start For Yankees Than Float MLBAM IPO
This story was written by Staci D. Kramer.
Still waiting for an MLB IPO? Better hope Bob Bowman starts practicing his moves as a shortstop. Asked if a public offering is in the offing, the head of Major League Baseball Advanced Media told the WSJ "it is more likely that I will start at shortstop for the Yankees." Among the other topics covered:
Mobile video & BlackBerrys: Bowman wants the BlackBerry mobile audience: "It's a data machine and ultimately could become a video machine." BlackBerry users have downloaded a half million MLB iconsno revenue but "empirical evidence" of the interest. This fall, MLBAM hopes to deliver a video highlight app. No streaming, says Bowman. "To get on that device, to get on something that people are used to looking at quite a bit, even more than their phone, that will be a real shot in the arm for our wireless strategy."
Sling Media: "So we wish we had a better working relationship with Sling ... We share a different view of the legality of what they are encouraging. It is a lawsuit where the loser is the customer. In our view, that is not a winning strategy." Bowman said Sling Media's ownership by EchoStar (NSDQ: DISH) offers more opportunity for partnerships.
MLB Network: Will MLB.com have to change with the advent of the MLB Network? "If we have a 24-hour cable channel, we may want to change it up a little bit." No details.
By Staci D. Kramer