MLS, Apple TV Agree To Monumental 10-Year Broadcast Deal

SALT LAKE CITY – Major League Soccer and Apple TV have announced a new broadcast partnership, beginning in 2023, that will further help develop the growth of MLS around the world.

Apple TV will be the exclusive broadcast partner for MLS for the next 10 years.

“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.”

More than 2 billion people globally have access to an Apple product and in turn, will be able to watch MLS. While the platform holds an additional 50 million subscribers worldwide via Apple TV.

MLS x @AppleTV is coming in 2023.

Details: https://t.co/vkrUm1HzVN pic.twitter.com/CwvWv0zs18

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 14, 2022

“From early 2023 through 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 a new weekly live match whip-around show so they never miss an exciting goal or save, and also game replays, highlights, analysis, and other original programming. This live and on-demand MLS content will provide in-depth, behind-the-scenes views of the players and clubs that fans love. A broad selection of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including some of the biggest matchups, will also be available at no additional cost to Apple TV+ subscribers, with a limited number of matches available for free. As an added benefit to fans, access to the new MLS streaming service will be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages,” the statement read.

Further details for the new service, including when fans can sign up, subscription pricing, specific details about the new MLS programming, an improved match schedule, broadcast teams, production enhancements, and pre-and postgame coverage will be announced in the coming months.

Locally, it remains unknown if Brian Dunseth and David James will remain as the broadcast team, while the future of free streaming via the KSL Sports and KSL 5 TV apps is also questionable to continue.

“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 favorite club.”