Apple today announced a partnership with Major League Soccer that will see every single MLS game streamed on the Apple TV app for the next 10 years, with the deal set to launch in 2023.
Soccer fans will then be able to stream every game live, without local blackouts or other restrictions. The offer includes access to all MLS and League Cup games, as well as select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next games. Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services at Apple, expressed as follows:
For the first time in sports history, fans will be able to watch every game from a major professional sports league in one place. This is 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 MLS wherever and whenever you want to watch it. We look forward to making it easy for even more people to fall in love with MLS and cheer on their favorite team.
The Apple TV app is required
Apple will provide access to MLS matches through a new MLS streaming service that will be available exclusively through the Apple TV app. In addition to all matches, there will be a weekly live show with match replays, highlights, analysis and in-depth behind-the-scenes looks at players and clubs. A selection of MLS and League Cup matches will be available to Apple TV+ subscribers at no additional cost, with a limited number of matches even free. The new MLS streaming service will be included in MLS full-season ticket packages. MLS live and on-demand content in the Apple TV app will be available on all Apple devices, as well as smart TVs from companies such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and Vizio. The Apple TV app can also be used on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Comcast Xfinity, PlayStation and Xbox. Customers who do not have a device that supports the Apple TV app can watch TV on the web.
contract runs until 2032
At launch, all MLS and Leagues Cup games will be broadcast in English and Spanish. All games featuring Canadian teams will be available in French. Further details about the service, such as subscription prices, programming information, and when fans can sign up, will be announced in the coming months. Apple says the deal is a "historic first" for a major professional sports league and will run until 2032. To expand its sports offerings, Apple has already signed a deal with Major League Baseball, and rumors say Apple is also interested in the National Football League's Sunday Ticket package. (Image: Apple)
