MLS Apple TV Paywall Limits Messi's True Impact

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "The Civil War" by Ken Burns - This documentary series influenced the production style of "When It Was a Game," particularly in its creative use of historical footage and sound.

Videos & Documentaries

• "When It Was a Game" - A documentary produced by Ross Greenburg that was the first to take 100 hours of color home movies and structure them into a mini-movie format, changing the way documentaries were made at HBO.
• "Miracle" - A feature film about the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, which Ross Greenburg helped bring to Disney after HBO passed on the project.
• "Dare to Dream" - A documentary about the 1999 US Women's Soccer team, which Ross Greenburg considers one of his favorite projects and is being adapted into a movie for Netflix.
• "Nine Innings from Ground Zero" - A documentary about the New York Yankees' role in the city's recovery after 9/11, conceived by Ross Greenburg after Game 3 at Yankee Stadium.
• "61*" - A movie about Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle's pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record, which Ross Greenburg worked on with Billy Crystal.
• "Hard Knocks" - A pioneering follow-doc series in sports television, developed by HBO and NFL Films, which follows NFL teams during training camp.
• "24/7" - A series launched by HBO Sports, known for its behind-the-scenes look at various sports events and athletes.
• "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" - An investigative sports journalism show developed by Ross Greenburg, inspired by "60 Minutes," covering stories surrounding sports.

People Mentioned

• Ross Greenburg (Former HBO Sports President, Documentary Producer) - Discussed his career at HBO, including boxing, and the creation of iconic sports shows and documentaries.
• Alex Silverman (SBJ Soccer Reporter) - Provided insights into MLS viewership on Apple and attendance figures.
• Austin Karp (SBJ Media Reporter) - Interviewed Ross Greenburg about his career and various projects.
• Michael Fuchs (Former CEO of HBO) - Saw boxing as an opportunity for HBO during its early days.
• Harold Lederman (Boxing Judge/Analyst) - Mentioned for his role in HBO's boxing coverage, innovating judging.
• Dana White (UFC President) - Referenced for his ambition to bring boxing back.
• Steve Sabol (NFL Films) - Collaborated with Ross Greenburg on the development of "Hard Knocks."
• Marty Colner - Brought the idea of "Hard Knocks" to Ross Greenburg.
• Hank Steinberg (Writer) - Worked with Billy Crystal and Ross Greenburg on the script for the movie "61*."
• Billy Crystal (Actor/Director) - Collaborated with Ross Greenburg on the movie "61*."
• Merlyn Mantle (Wife of Mickey Mantle) - Visited the set of "61*" and was deeply moved by the recreation of Yankee Stadium.
• Danny Mantle (Son of Mickey Mantle) - Visited the set of "61*."
• David Mantle (Son of Mickey Mantle) - Visited the set of "61*."
• Mark Verani (Disney Executive) - Quickly picked up the rights for the "Miracle" film after Ross Greenburg brought the idea to Disney.
• Dick Cook (Disney Executive) - Boss of Mark Verati, who approved the "Miracle" film project.
• Mike Rich (Screenwriter) - Wrote the script for "Miracle."
• Gavin O'Connor (Director) - Directed the film "Miracle."
• Rick Fernstein - Collaborated with Ross Greenburg on "Nine Innings from Ground Zero."
• Joel Lavine - Collaborated with Ross Greenburg on "Nine Innings from Ground Zero."
• Ken Burns (Documentary Filmmaker) - His documentary "The Civil War" influenced Ross Greenburg's approach to storytelling in "When It Was a Game."
• Bjorn Werner (Former NFL Player, Podcast Host) - Will be a guest on the podcast next week.

Organizations & Institutions

• HBO Sports - Ross Greenburg's former workplace, where he served as president and oversaw the growth of boxing, documentaries, and shows like "Real Sports" and "Hard Knocks."
• Apple - Partnered with MLS for a 10-year media rights deal, with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
• FOX - Has a linear simulcast deal with MLS for some games.
• ESPN - Previously broadcast MLS games.
• Univision - Previously broadcast MLS games.
• NFL Films - Collaborated with HBO on "Hard Knocks" and produced documentaries.
• Netflix - Mentioned as a platform for sports content and for the upcoming "Dare to Dream" movie.
• Amazon - Mentioned as a player in the sports streaming market.
• Showtime - Ross Greenburg worked with them after leaving HBO.
• Disney - Produced the film "Miracle" after acquiring the rights from Ross Greenburg.
• Sports Business Journal (SBJ) - The publication associated with the podcast, with reporters Josh Carpenter, Austin Karp, and Alex Silverman.

Websites & Online Resources

• MLS Season Pass (on Apple TV) - The subscription service for Major League Soccer games.

Other Resources

• Club World Cup - An international soccer tournament that impacted MLS attendance.
• Gold Cup - An international soccer tournament that impacted MLS attendance.
• World Cup - The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to increase interest in soccer in the US.
• "Murderers' Row" - The nickname for the 1927 New York Yankees, which Ross Greenburg is developing a documentary about.