Apple will exclusively broadcast all matches of the MLS (Major League Soccer) league through its streaming platform Apple TV for 10 years from next year.
On the 14th (local time), Apple and MLS announced the signing of a streaming partnership agreement with this content. One of the major sports leagues that have been broadcast by terrestrial or cable TV has been brought exclusively by Apple. MLS games have been aired on ABC, ESPN, and Fox Channel under Disney. It is known that 15 companies, including Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount, participated in this bid.
In the United States, MLS occupies a position right next to the four major professional sports: American professional basketball (NBA), North American ice hockey (NHL), American professional baseball major league (MLB), and professional American football (NFL). In particular, with the recent influx of Hispanic immigrants, the popularity of professional soccer leagues seems to surpass that of ice hockey.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), “it shows that iPhone maker Apple’s streaming business ambitions are growing.” The Associated Press also reported that “Apple has made great progress in broadcasting sports content.”
With this contract, Apple will broadcast all MLS matches worldwide through the Apple TV app for 10 years from next year to 2032. Usually, the rights to broadcast sports events are allocated by country or region, but this time, Apple secured exclusive global streaming rights. Apple plans to broadcast all MLS matches for Apple TV Plus subscribers with a monthly fee of $4.99, and the specific service price has not been disclosed. Some games are offered as free services through Apple TV.
Apple and MLS did not officially announce the contract amount, but Sports Business Journal, a sports media outlet, reported that Apple paid at least $250 million per year to MLS in exchange for securing broadcasting rights, and at least $2.5 billion over 10 years will be paid.
Earlier, in April, Apple secured exclusive airing rights for the weekly double header game of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States.
