MLS And Apple TV Agree Streaming Deal
Technology company Apple has reached an agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to stream every US top-flight men’s game worldwide for the next 10 years, in a deal that is worth a reported £208m a year.
From 2023, all live fixtures will air on a dedicated MLS streaming service available on the Apple TV app. The price of the subscription for consumers has not yet been revealed.
This partnership, which will surpass £2bn in value over the contract period, will allow fans around the world to watch all MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches in one place without any local broadcast blackouts or the need for a traditional pay TV bundle.
In addition to all the match content, the service will provide fans a new weekly live match whip-around show, game replays, highlights, analysis, and other original programming. At launch, all MLS and Leagues Cup matches will include commentary in English and Spanish, and all matches involving Canadian teams will be available in French.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, said, “For the first time in the history of sports, fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place. It’s a dream come true for MLS fans, soccer fans, and anyone who loves sports. No fragmentation, no frustration — just the flexibility to sign up for one convenient service that gives you everything MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch. We can’t wait to make it easy for even more people to fall in love with MLS and root for their favourite club.”
Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner, added, “Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans. Given Apple’s ability to create a best-in-class user experience and to reach fans everywhere, it’ll be incredibly easy to enjoy MLS matches anywhere, whether you’re a super fan or casual viewer.”
According to a report from The Athletic, the agreement does not necessarily mean that matches will only be shown on Apple TV. MLS is also expected to strike a partnership with ESPN and Univision in the near future and there are reports that the league is also in talks with Fox.
