MLB is about to make a million dollars off an iPhone app

Lots of developers are saying that they can't sell their apps at $9.99 in the App Store, but Major League Baseball is apparently the exception -- the $9.99 At Bat app is not only gaining accolades from users, but it's selling like nachos at the ballpark, too: with 130,000 copies sold so far this year, MLB is about to break a million dollars in revenue, even after Apple takes its cut.

Pretty impressive for a pricey app. Of course, that's chump change when you consider exactly what MLB is dealing with -- the app integrates the Gameday Audio service, which sells for $14.99 on its own, and baseball's television and video content makes much, much more than a million dollars. The iPhone revenue, big as it is, is just a drop in the bucket for MLB, really.

But nevertheless, the MLB app stands out as proof that, even if you have to include exclusive live audio content from major sporting events around the country, it is possible to make an app that people will happily pay $9.99 for. Stands to reason that if developers can make their app at least as functional and useful as At Bat, they too can make a million dollars.

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Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/mlb-nearing-1-million-in-ipho…

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Analysis / Opinion Software Odds and ends Apple iPhone App Store iPod touch

Lots of developers are saying that they can't sell their apps at $9.99 in the App Store, but Major League Baseball is apparently the...

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Lindty

I love this app, and deserves a spot on my main screen. I can't go through the day without opening it up multiple times

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http://www.audiocdripper.net

May 25 2009 at 6:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MLBHomeRun.com

The app is doing so well because it is flawlessly awesome. I love getting a choice of listening to either the home or away broadcast. Keep up the good work MLB!

http://www.mlbhomerun.com

May 01 2009 at 1:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Erick

If they pack in live video streaming of the game, ill pay 20

April 29 2009 at 5:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bill Mac

I guess it makes sense: since gambling on sports is a regular source of income for these "enthusiasts". The $10 app gets paid back by their less-informed co-workers.

April 29 2009 at 1:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Eric

This is an app I use everyday, multiple times a day. I would gladly pay more on the next go around. Excellent app. Congrats to the developers & production team.

April 29 2009 at 12:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jas

Huh...

All this clamour for an application about baseball. And they say that Apple customers are elitist!

April 29 2009 at 11:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Patriks7

Now if they make one for the NHL (you know, the sport for real men) I will jump in joy!

April 29 2009 at 10:41 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

starq

MLB Voting Feature:

Let iPhone users vote on the worst owners in baseball. At the end of the year the owner with the most votes is forced to sell their team.

I nominate the Monfort brothers from the Colorado Rockies.

April 29 2009 at 9:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Galley

The only 3rd-party app to ever occupy a spot in my dock.

April 29 2009 at 8:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bob Baker

Yep - absolutely. Nothing beats ballpark food. :-)

Oh, and that also means MLB knows their audience. Nothing wrong with that. This app is TOTALLY worth the price.

April 29 2009 at 8:11 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply