Major League Soccer is betting big on streaming! Beginning next season, fans will be able to see every single match the league plays on Apple TV+.
There will be no local blackout restrictions. Fans can watch every match, regardless of market, on a new streaming service Apple creates for the league and distributes through Apple TV+. In addition to league matches, the ten-year deal also includes rights to Leagues Cup matches and select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next matches.
Apple TV+ subscribers will also get a package of games they can watch at no additional charge.
“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner, said in a press release. “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.”
The television rights to Major League Soccer have been on the table for a while, with the league seeking as much as $300 million. The financial terms of the deal with Apple remain unknown but Apple is getting a lot of inventory and investing a lot of resources.
Every match featuring a US-based club will feature English and Spanish broadcasts. Every match featuring a Canadian club will feature English and French broadcasts.
“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,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, added. “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.”
No official details are available yet regarding when fans can sign up or what the cost of the MLS streaming service will be.
