Mayra Madrigal
MLS and Apple have signed a historic deal to stream the league’s games all over the world.
The growth of Major League Soccer is undeniable these days, and now there is new proof of it. This is not the type of growth related to having a new team every year. Instead, it is related to planning that has taken place in at least the last 10 years that has allowed MLS to make the commercial leap worldwide –including European signings, and exporting players trained in the academies.
It has been questioned, however, whether MLS is as popular and competitive as Liga MX, as the Seattle Sounders recently beat Pumas UNAM in the final match, thus, the hegemony the CONCACAF Champions League’s Mexican teams imposed was finally torn down. And maybe, if they haven’t already, they’re close to do so.
It has just been announced that MLS and Apple have teamed up to broadcast games from 2023 to 2032, which will give the North American league international exposure. MLS will receive $2.5 billion for the link to Apple.
Apple TV is a streaming platform that plans to fight with others that are already established, and that is why it is looking for variety in the market.
According to the announcement, it will be possible to follow the MLS, Leagues Cup and MLS NEXT Pro matches. However, it was clarified that Mexico will be the only country that will not have the Leagues Cup broadcasts active, as it is a tournament in which there are Mexican teams involved.
It was also reported that there will be no charge for Apple TV subscribers.
Don Garber Spoke About the Agreement Between MLS and Apple
The MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, was excited about this deal with the streaming platform.
Partnering with the world’s most innovative company is an unparalleled opportunity to create an entirely new home to bring more MLS content than ever directly to our fans in one place.
It was also announced that Apple TV’s match broadcasts will feature commentary in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. This is extremely important considering the Latino community established in US territory, as well as the Canadians who in some cities French is spoken rather than English.
