Major League Soccer (MLS) season-ticket holders will gain free access to Apple TV thanks to a 10-season broadcasting rights deal between the competition and the tech giant.
The Apple TV app will be the exclusive destination to watch every single live MLS match from anywhere in the world, beginning in 2023. In what is described as a first for a major sports league, the partnership means no broadcast blackouts or the need for a traditional pay TV bundle.
As an added benefit to local fans in North America, access to the new MLS streaming service will be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages.
The deal will cover the period around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “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.”
From early 2023 through to 2032, fans can get every live MLS match by subscribing to a new MLS streaming service, available exclusively through the Apple TV app. In addition to all of the match content, the service will provide fans with highlights and preview packages.
“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,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. “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.”
Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash