Image credit: Nqobile Ndlovu | Twitter: @CashNSport
Apple has reached an agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to stream every MLS match for the next ten years, beginning in 2023. Fans will be able to watch all MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches on the Apple TV app thanks to the partnership.
From early 2023 to early 2032, fans can subscribe to a new MLS streaming service that will be available exclusively through the Apple TV app to watch every live MLS match. Game replays, highlights, analysis, and other original programming will be available through the service.
Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to watch select MLS and Leagues Cup matches for no extra charge, with a limited number of matches available for free.
Full-season ticket packages in the MLS will include access to the new MLS streaming service. There will be no regional blackouts, unlike several other sports streaming deals.
Apple hasn’t said how much the service will cost or when users will be able to sign up, but it says more details will be released in the coming months.
Image credit: Asif Patel | Twitter: @A51FR3D
The MLS content on the Apple TV app will be available on all devices that support the app, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, and Apple TV HD; Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and other smart TVs; Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices; PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles; Chromecast with Google TV; and Comcast Xfinity.
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.
— Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services
All MLS and Leagues Cup matches will have announcers in English and Spanish at launch, and all matches involving Canadian teams will have announcers in French. Apple and MLS will also provide coverage through Apple News, with users able to view highlights in the News app.
Apple’s partnership with MLS is a significant step up from its previous Friday Night Baseball agreement with the MLB. Apple’s agreement with MLS indicates that the company intends to prioritize live sports. Apple is also rumored to be among the companies interested in acquiring the NFL Sunday Ticket rights.
Over the last 15 years, Major League Soccer has more than doubled in size to 29 clubs, making it the fastest-growing soccer league in the world.
On the way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, the momentum will continue to build. MLS has the most international player pool of any sport, with players from 82 countries, and one of the youngest and most diverse fan bases in North America.
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