Apple has announced on Tuesday that they have formed a partnership with Major League Soccer that involves every single MLS match being streamed via the Apple TV for the next 10 years, starting in 2023.
Avid soccer fans would be able to stream every live match, without any local blackouts or restrictions (the need for a traditional pay TV bundle). It will include access to all MLS and League Cup games, as well as select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches. All these will be made available at no additional cost to Apple TV+ subscribers. The new MLS streaming service shall be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages.
Apple’s senior vice president of Services Eddy Cue said, “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. 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.”
MLS’s commissioner Don Garber said, “Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans. 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.”
Apple notes that the deal is a “historic first” for a major professional sports league, and it will last for 10 years, up until 2032. In an effort to boost its sports offerings, Apple has recently established a deal with Major League Baseball, and rumors say that the Cupertino company is interested in pursuing the National Football League’s Sunday Ticket package.