Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple TV are gearing up for an exhilarating 30th season, marking the third year of their groundbreaking partnership. This collaboration has redefined sports broadcasting, granting Apple an unprecedented level of involvement with a major sports league and providing MLS with substantial financial backing and an expansive global audience through Apple’s vast network of devices. The forthcoming season promises a significant expansion of programming and accessibility, building upon the successful foundation established in the previous two years. The league and Apple executives have announced a series of enhancements aimed at enriching the fan experience, including expanded pre- and post-game coverage, a new Sunday night showcase match, wider distribution across various platforms, and a renewed focus on spotlighting the league’s burgeoning star power, particularly Lionel Messi.
Central to this expansion is the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, a comprehensive platform providing live matches, studio shows, and a wealth of on-demand content. The emphasis is on delivering “more content, more experiences,” capitalizing on MLS’s digitally savvy and youthful fanbase, the youngest in professional sports. The league produced over 1,200 live matches last year, encompassing regular season games, junior team competitions, in-season tournaments, and playoff matches. A similar volume of programming is anticipated for the upcoming season, demonstrating the commitment to providing comprehensive coverage across all levels of the sport. To ensure a consistent and professional presentation, MLS will centralize its graphics production at a new facility located at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. This will streamline the visual experience across all matches, studio shows, and video-on-demand content.
The new season will introduce a more immersive viewing experience, surrounding Saturday matches with an expanded 5.5-hour block of programming, including pre- and post-game studio shows in both English and Spanish. This “shoulder programming” will provide in-depth analysis, commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights, further engaging fans with the sport. Moreover, a new Sunday night “Game of the Week” will highlight key matchups throughout the season, offering primetime exposure to compelling storylines and star-studded clashes. While the presence of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF will undoubtedly influence the selection of these spotlight games, the league is also committed to showcasing other prominent players and franchises.
Accessibility is a key focus for MLS and Apple, and this season will see expanded distribution through new partnerships with Comcast and DirecTV. This builds on existing agreements with Amazon and Fox, broadening the reach of MLS Season Pass to a wider audience across cable, satellite, and streaming platforms. DirecTV’s existing arrangement to distribute games to commercial establishments like bars and restaurants remains in place, ensuring fans can enjoy the action from various locations. Furthermore, T-Mobile has renewed its offer of free MLS Season Pass subscriptions to its customers, further democratizing access to the league’s content. This multi-platform approach ensures fans can choose the viewing option that best suits their needs, reflecting the league’s commitment to reaching its diverse fanbase.
The familiar voices of Kevin Egan, Taylor Twellman, and Antonella Gonzalez will continue to lead the broadcasting team, joined by recently retired MLS veteran Dax McCarty, who brings 19 seasons of playing experience to his new role as an analyst. McCarty’s transition from the field to the studio highlights the growing synergy between the playing and broadcasting aspects of the league. MLS is also committed to diversifying its on-air talent, with the upcoming season featuring a “historic first”—the first female analyst on MLS Season Pass. The full roster of commentators and analysts will be announced in the coming weeks, promising a blend of established voices and fresh perspectives.
The 2024 MLS season kicks off at the end of February with a symbolic matchup between the league’s newest expansion team, San Diego FC, and the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy. This inaugural game represents the growth and evolution of MLS as it embarks on its 30th season, welcoming its 30th franchise. With expanded programming, broader distribution, a commitment to showcasing its star power, and a focus on innovative broadcasting through its partnership with Apple, MLS is poised for a season of significant growth and increased engagement with its ever-expanding fanbase. The league’s focus on accessibility, combined with the star power of players like Messi and the introduction of new franchises, promises a dynamic and engaging season for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
