June 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Apple and Major League Soccer will show all MLS matches globally for 10 years, starting in 2023
In a historic first for the sport, fans can stream every MLS game through the Apple TV app, without local cuts or restrictions.
Cupertino, California Apple and Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced that the Apple TV app will be the exclusive destination to watch every MLS match live from 2023. The partnership is a historic first for a major professional sports league and will enable fans around the world to watch all the MLS, Leagues Cup,1 and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches all in one place – without any local broadcast interruptions or the need for a traditional pay TV package.
From early 2023 to 2032, fans can get every MLS game live by subscribing to a new MLS streaming service, available exclusively through the Apple TV app. Along with all the match content, the service will bring fans a new weekly live match show so they never miss an exciting goal or save, as well as match replays, highlights, analysis and other original programs. This live and on-demand MLS content will provide an in-depth behind-the-scenes view of the players and clubs fans love. A wide selection of MLS and League Cup matches, including some of the biggest clashes, 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 for fans, access to the new MLS streaming service will be included in MLS full season ticket packages.
Live and on-demand MLS content on the Apple TV app will be available to anyone with internet access on all devices where the app can be found, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, VIZIO and other smart TVs; Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices; PlayStation and Xbox game consoles; Chromecast with Google TV; and Comcast Xfinity. Fans can also watch on tv.apple.com.
“For the first time in sports history, fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place,” said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Apple Services. “It’s a dream come true for MLS fans, football fans and anyone who loves the sport. No fragmentation, no frustration – just the flexibility to sign up for a convenient service that gives you everything than MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch. We look forward to enabling even more people to fall in love with MLS and put down roots with their favorite club.
“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 top-notch user experience and reach fans everywhere, it will be incredibly easy to enjoy MLS matches anywhere, whether you’re a super fan or a casual viewer. “
At launch, all MLS and League Cup matches will include announcers announcing the action in English and Spanish, and all matches involving Canadian teams will be available in French. Apple and MLS will also provide enhanced league and club coverage so fans can easily follow the league or their favorite clubs in Apple News, with the ability to watch highlights directly in the News app.
Full details of the new service, including when fans can sign up, subscription price, specific details on new MLS programming, an improved game schedule, broadcast crews, production improvements and pre- and post-match coverage — plus all the ways fans can enjoy MLS content across the Apple ecosystem — will be announced in the coming months.
Major League Soccer is the fastest growing football league in the world, having more than doubled in size to 29 clubs in the past 15 years. The momentum will continue as soccer expands across North America on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. With players representing 82 countries, MLS has the most global player pool in any sport, and its fanbase is one of the youngest and most diverse audiences in North American sports.
About Apple
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS – deliver seamless experiences across all Apple devices and provide users with groundbreaking services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud . Apple’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and leaving the world a better place than we found it.
About Major League Soccer
New York-based Major League Soccer, celebrating its 27th season in 2022, has 29 clubs across the United States and Canada, including 2022 expansion team Charlotte FC and St. Louis CITY SC, which makes its debut in 2023. Starting in 2023, the Apple TV app will be the exclusive destination to watch every MLS game live. For more information on MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
- This excludes the Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup for Mexican viewers.
Press contacts
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Apple
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Tom Neumayr
Apple
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(408) 974-1972
Apple Media Phone Support
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(408) 974-2042