SepticSceptic:
Would you play $70 for the right to watch just the World Cup 2010? Thats the price for the event in Singapore.
Yep, I would, as long as it covered all pool games and finals, and be in HD.
Still, it would be cheaper just to subscribe to the sports channel for the duration, assuming that I have an existing basic subscription.
But thats not the offer in Singapore. Basic subscription doesnt entitle you to the event. Its a pure PPV.
Lets use a few offshore examples to build your hypothetical lineup as an a la carte:
You get Super 14 (its moot but most likely out of market only - ie not those games played in your local town): $99 for the season. This is half the current price of the MLB season.
You add Super 14 finals (cos typically thats an additional package) - $35. This is half the current price of the NHL finals series.
You want to see the Tri-nations - $35. Its got to be as valuable as a post-season of a domestic competition, right?
AirNZ Cup? Its more games over 2 tiers but lets say $99. I'll be generous and say that includes the finals.
In 2011 you're going to have to pay for the RWC - bigger than Trinations so lets take Fifa World Cup 2010 as a guide. $70.
To watch all your rugby this year - excluding any live home games (you'll get to see the replays). $169 without the AirNZ Cup and $268 with AirNZ Cup. Thats all your games from Feb to Oct at $20/mth or $33.50/mth.
No additional sport available (or they put it in the Basic tier as per ESPN which is typical in the US market).
Feel like value for money?
Or would you not bother cos you only watch the occasional game and $20 or $33 per month seems a bit of a waste?