MLS strike $2.5 billion deal with Apple TV

The US Major League Soccer and Apple have agreed on a 10-year broadcast deal worth $2.5 billion (£2bn).

The deal will see all games in the United States men’s top-flight league and Leagues Cup matches broadcast.

However, the agreement does not necessarily mean that matches will only be shown on Apple TV.

According to the Athletic, MLS is expected to strike a partnership with ESPN and Univision shortly as it is rumoured that they are also in talks with Fox.

In a statement released on Tuesday, MLS confirmed that the deal comes into effect in 2023 and runs until 2032.

Read statement below…

“Apple and Major League Soccer today announced that the Apple TV app will be the exclusive destination to watch every single live MLS match beginning in 2023.

This partnership is a historic first for a major professional sports league and will allow fans around the world to watch all MLS, Leagues Cup and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches in one place – without any local broadcast blackouts or the need for a traditional pay-TV bundle.

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 the reports, MLS commissioner, Don Garber confirmed the deals with other broadcast companies in a letter to fans.

He wrote, “We are also working to finalize agreements to simulcast select games on major North American linear TV broadcast networks in the early years of our partnership.

“Moving forward, MLS will have the most accessible distribution of live matches and content in League history.”