Apple to broadcast MLS exclusively in ten year deal starting in 2023
Posted June 14, 2022 2:13 pm.
It’s a big day for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple.
The tech giant announced Tuesday it will hold the exclusive streaming rights to one of North America’s biggest sports leagues.
As of early 2023, all Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to watch every single MLS game, including league cup matches, MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT games.
“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.”
Apple TV+ subscribers will see no additional charge for the games. Apple and the MLS have also confirmed the streaming service will be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages. And some games will be available for free.
“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” said Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner. “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.”
Coverage of the games will be in English and Spanish, and matches involving the three Canadian teams — CF Montreal, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps — will be available in French.
On top of all the games, fans will also gain access to a weekly live match whip-around show, which will showcase all the goals, saves, highlights and analysis, on top of behind-the-scenes moments from the clubs.
Games will be streamed live and on-demand through Apple TV+ on any device that can have the app — including iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, smart TVs (not limited to Apple), Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Comcast, Xfinity, Roku devices, and Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
