Apple has signed a 10-year worldwide agreement with Major League Soccer that will see every MLS match available for streaming.
The agreement for MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches comes without the local blackouts that often characterise sports coverage in the United States.
It is notable for both the geographical spread of the agreement and the length of the contract.
A limited number of matches will be available for free via the Apple TV+ service.
“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 favourite club.”
Commentary will be available in English and Spanish with all matches involving Canadian teams also available in French.
In the UK market, MLS matches have been screened by Sky Sports, FreeSports and Premier Sports during the course of the 2022 season.
