House of Cards.
We surf fans know, better than maybe any other grouping of sports fans, that our governing body, the World Surf League, is pure smoke and mirrors. From ridiculous bullishness on numbers, fortified Walls of Positive Noise, Stalin-esque reimaginings of history, Erik Logan etc. the whole operation is gloriously absurd but the whole shootin’ match was allegedly almost purchased by streaming giant Netflix earlier this year.
Whoa!
Per reporting from The Wall Street Journal via 9 to 5 Mac:
Meanwhile, Netflix pursued low-cost ways of diversifying its own catalog with streaming sports. The Journal reports that Netflix has considered bidding or has bid on specific sports streaming rights in Europe:
The company recently bid for the streaming rights for the ATP tennis tour for some European countries, including France and the U.K., but dropped out, one of the people said. It also discussed bidding for a series of other events including U.K. rights to the Women’s Tennis Association and cycling competitions, the people said.
What’s even more intriguing is the possibility of a subscription video service just outright buying a sports league. That’s apparently what Netflix attempted to do with surfing:
The company late last year was in talks to buy the World Surf League, but negotiations fell apart because the two organizations couldn’t reach an agreement on a price, people familiar with the potential deal said.
The Journal goes on to explain how sports streaming could create new opportunities for Netflix:
Some Netflix executives believe that given the size of its platform, Netflix could turn lesser-known sports like surfing into big franchises, and create new sporting tournaments or events, the people said.
How you like them apples?
I, first off, wonder what the difference in price tag between professional surfing’s current owner Dirk Ziff and Netflix was.
I, then, think about how much better the show might be on a platform that would have a vested interest in building intrigue, better storylines, more dynamic locations, no Surf Ranch into the mix.
Time for some surf journalism.
Are you there Sean Doherty? It’s me, Chas.
More as the story develops.
It’s on long Island not in Long Island….
I don’t think Natasha is quite ready to sell yet.
Is this a shot over the bow? The wsl offers clean sport. Women get paid the same, its woke. That alone makes it stand out over elephant polo or monkey checkers. The reality its going to be big business in wealthy communities that can afford wave pools. I’m guessing we’re going to see Cadillac and Rolex sponsors in 5 years. As tech and access increase we will see the wave pool generation. We won’t like them. They won’t like us. It will be different. It will be lucrative. Just get your snickers bars ready to float in the chaos!
I wouldn’t bet the farm on that,
For Sale: 1976 intergalactic surf league, robust positive growth in all sectors, No Low Balls. I know what I got.
That paint across the middle isn’t because it’s been broken, I just like sur fart.
Against all odds, bodyboarding did quite well this year, had a phenomenal finish in the canary islands, massive fronton slabs. Filipe wouldn’t touch it with a stick. No US and no Aus events though.
Wrong. The deal collapsed because ELO wants to copy Netflix’s model and expand into other niche sports like Curling and that Mongolian one where they play horseback rugby with a sheep carcas.
Pro surfer as job is rapidly becoming quite uncool.
It won’t be long until http://www.erikelologan.com is launched.
Given Ziff got it for nothing and all it does is lose money, Ziff blowing away Netflix means he would rather see it fold then grow under someone else.
Dude, your forgetting,Natasha has a day in all of this.
Netflix wisely dodged the financial bullets being fired at it. Maybe someone whispered in their ear that surfers are not known for being wild spending subscription types. Free or not at all.
Ziff would have saved a bundle if the sale had gone ahead though. Even at a price tag of zero dollars. So some upside for him and he would have felt like a chameleon shedding a life times worth of skin all at once.
The “numbers” are likely the reason they couldn’t reach an agreement. The over inflated reach the WSL purports would demand a figure that Netflix will never pay.
That said, didn’t Ziff buy the ASP for like $0? If Netflix pays $5, that’s quite a return on investment! (That’s some ELo level spin!)
If you buy the woozle I imagine the Kelly wave pool is part the package, a huge expensive to maintain cost to the bottom line that everyone hates.
It’s barely worth the water in it minus everything else!
Pretty sure that’s why it’s back on tour but
No matter how you dress a pig,
It’s still a pig
Sophie bought KSWC urinal AND artificially inflated ladies purses then peaced out for a BETTER gig, fucking balls on that bitch.
She saw the writing on the wall
Chas, if you actually do actual surf journalism I quit in protest. Wash your mouth out.
Sell, sell, sell!
4 x 0 is still 0
Not surprised Netflix buys any old piece of shit production & sees if it sticks.
low-cost
lesser-known
ouch
“I’ve been training for the finals at my home ranch…here’s my selfie-resume…” (photo: Moreira)
https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx….
I’m confused.
Why do people do that and even more confusing, why does someone take a photo of it?
If I could pull this off it would replace all my dick pic’s..
I think the goat yoga instructor cancelled her class that day.
in context, was thinking this move by Felipe in the Trussles finals could surpass anything Gabe does in the air…
Hang 8
You’re gonna get Gigi all riled up !
Truth.
Netflix: No we’re not paying a fucken cent for KSWC, or anything outside of the CT.
Let’s talk viewer numbers. 8million, you say ? That’s a fucken big number, Eric…..
Etc etc etc
Eric: Well… Yeah….Ummm… The WSL Finals…blah blah blah