Starting next year, Apple TV will be the place to watch every Major League Soccer (MLS) game live. MLS fans around the world will soon only have to tune in to a single broadcast with no local service interruption or expensive cable packages to watch games with commentary as they happen.
Apple today announced (opens in a new tab) that it is creating a subscription-based service with MLS that will live exclusively on the Apple TV app and will be available in 2023. In addition to game content, the stream will include a weekly push. , highlights and an analysis program. A "wide selection" of MLS and League Cup matches will be available to stream at no additional cost to Apple TV+ subscribers. The upcoming service will also be included in MLS full-season ticket packages.
When the service launches, subscribers will be able to watch with commentary in English or Spanish, with French commentary available on matches featuring Canadian or French teams. The service will also provide enhanced behind-the-scenes coverage and other original MLS programming for fans to watch on the app.
The partnership between Apple and MLS will run for ten years, from early 2023 through 2032. Additional information will be announced, including registration dates, pricing, pre- and post-game coverage details and other service features. months.
How are the fans feeling?
Apple has been making big strides in sports lately. In March, for example, it announced a partnership with Major League Baseball and began its coverage of Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV. While its first broadcast left a lot to be desired, the company is obviously doubling down on its sports coverage and hoping to curry favor with fans.
This latest announcement has so far had a pretty mixed reception. The idea of an Internet-based service, as opposed to a live approach, eliminates service interruptions, appealing to fans who don't want to miss a thing. Fans are also interested in what Apple can offer Major League Soccer in terms of growth. Other fans are happy to "cut the cord," so to speak, because live sports is the only reason some fans remain attached to traditional cable packages.
Welcome @AppleTV to @MLS and here you are to take the league to new levels. No interruptions will do wonders for the league and the number of Apple devices now directly linked to @MLS will only help the league grow. 👊🏼💪🏼 #MLS https://t.co/m6KZx8ZI4114June 2022, XNUMX
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While some fans are excited about what's to come, others are understandably worried about pricing, ecosystem restrictions, and adding yet another monthly subscription service on top of the rest. Concerns about ecosystem restrictions are understandable, but according to The Athletic, you should still be able to watch live games on Univision, ESPN and Fox once they reach agreements with MLS "in the near future."
Except for everyone who doesn't have Apple TV+. Just another subscription that they have to pay for. Yes, to make it more difficult for people to watch the games. June 14, 2022
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Overall, most MLS fans seem to view the deal positively, though that sentiment may change as more details about the service are announced.