Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple have announced a ten-year broadcast deal reportedly worth US$2.5 billion. Apple TV will now broadcast every single MLS and the Leagues Cup match as part of the deal. The matches broadcast on Apple TV will not be shown on local television networks; MLS fans will need to subscribe to the MLS-specific app that exists within Apple TV in order to watch their teams every week. However, they will not need to subscribe to Apple TV+ in order to subscribe to that app.
The league’s current media rights are with ESPN, Fox and Univision, which expire at the end of the ongoing MLS season. These broadcasters are still in talks with the league and are pushing to extend the deal. All the matches broadcast on ESPN, Fox and Univision will also be live on Apple TV.
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MLS commissioner Don Garber commented on the deal, stating:
“We think our league is perfectly positioned for the next evolution of how people watch live sports. And with this new partnership with Apple … we’re gonna deliver (our fans) every match anywhere, anytime, anywhere around the world without any restrictions or any blackouts.
“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.”
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of services, also stated:
“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.”
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