Apple announced on Tuesday that it has exclusive rights to broadcast MLS matches with Major League Soccer for the next 10 years. Beginning in the 2023 season, Apple will offer an MLS streaming service that will be accessible through the Apple TV app, and the service will show all MLS matches live without blackout restrictions so that you can watch any match from anywhere.
The MLS stream includes all MLS, Leagues Cup, and MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches. The stream will also have a weekly live highlight show, game replay, recorded highlights, analysis and other key programming. According to Apple’s press release, Apple TV + subscribers who have not signed up for the MLS stream will be able to watch a limited number of matches.
According to The Athletic fans, they will not be able to watch their local team matches on local TV broadcasts. To watch these matches, fans need to sign up for the Apple TV MLS stream. MLS full-season ticket packages will also include access to the MLS stream.
At launch, MLS and League Cup matches will have English and Spanish announcers, and matches involving Canadian clubs will have French announcers. The Athletic reports that Apple TV + will eventually use a single staff of commentators for the match.
Apple has not yet released details about pricing, how to sign up, and programming specifications – these details will be released in late February or early March before the start of the 2023 MLS season.
Athletic reports that Apple’s deal with MLS is worth at least $ 2.5 billion, with rates fluctuating depending on customers. The deal leaves room for MLS to negotiate with “linear partners” such as ESPN, Univision and Fox, which are currently under contract until the end of the current season. These three networks reportedly paid $ 90 million per season তাই so Apple’s deal is a very aggressive move for the company to increase its sports coverage on Apple TV.
The Apple / MLS deal follows the announcement of a July 2022 schedule for its Friday Night Baseball Showcase. Apple has also made WWDC announcements highlighting sports coverage in the new Live Activity feature and is rumored to be in talks with the NFL.