Mike Francesa at Bar A finds a few fans who don't hate his new app

Daniel LoGiudice | Asbury Park Press

LAKE COMO - Countless WFAN listeners have characterized Mongo Nation both positively and negatively. What can’t be denied is the group’s fierce loyalty to their man: Mike Francesa.

Mongo Nation came out in full force on Friday afternoon for Francesa’s radio show appearance at Bar Anticipation on the heels of the release of his new app, Mike’s On.

Much has been made of the steep price for the app. It’s an $8.99 monthly charge or $98 for the year.

Despite this, there were fans at the show Friday who said they have no problem paying a premium price for the Sports Pope.

“For what you’re getting with him, it’s really not a big deal,” said Anthony Kosta, a 30-year-old Francesa listener from Morganville. “This is a guy that’s on the radio every day, giving the best sports takes, so it’s very worth it. Bottom line is Francesa has his following; we’re going to be there for Francesa.”

The app allows streaming of his radio show, content a listener gets for free when they turn to WFAN (66 AM, 101.9 FM) from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It also will include a Sunday NFL show, a Saturday college football show, both exclusive to the app.

Francesa also promises to hop on the app when major sports news breaks to provide listeners with his takes.

That’s about all the app provides as its price is $4 less than a SiriusXM subscription. Still, the Francesa faithful appears willing to pay for content that largely can be consumed for free through radio or television.

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“With the app, you don’t wait a day, day and a half for him to get on the air,” said Chris Kavcic, 31, from Staten Island. “Right then and there, you have Mike coming on.”

Francesa has developed an intense cult following since he joined WFAN in the 1980s. Some can’t even describe their fandom, like Steve Elliott, 30, from Toms River. Elliott simply enjoys listening to Francesa and is willing to pay a premium.

“I don’t know to tell you the truth,” Elliott said with a laugh. “You get sucked in somehow.”

Still, there are plenty of Francesa fans who have disdain for the lofty price. When Joe Krieger, 23, from Clark was asked how much he believed the app should cost, he was blunt.

“Free,” Krieer said. “I’m not willing to pay $8.99.”

Many others are wary about the price. They’re not fully shooting down the idea of buying a subscription, but they at least want to wait and see what Francesa delivers.

“I’m not too happy with the price point of the app, I’m not going to download it right away,” said New Jersey’s Peter, who wished to keep his last name private because he’s a regular caller to Francesa’s show and doesn’t want to face any backlash for negative comments. “I’ll wait to see how the reviews are, and then maybe I’ll download it. Right off the bat, I don’t think I’ll download it.”

Howell's Chris Milano, 47, a consistent listener since the 80s, said the fee makes even a loyal fan like himself balk a bit.

“He’s an icon in New York, you feel a loyalty to him, but I think the app is a little pricey,” Milano said. “We’ll see how it goes.”

According to the New York Post, Francesa decided on the price. No one else had a say. For Francesa fans, it comes as no surprise.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Krieger said. “I’m surprised it’s not more, if Mike made (the price) himself.”

Daniel LoGiudice: @danny_logiudice; dlogiudice@gannettnj.com.