MLS and Apple Announce Revolutionary Subscription Service
In a historic first for any major professional sports league, Major League Soccer (MLS) partnered with tech giant Apple to launch the MLS Season Pass — an unprecedented subscription service that features every live MLS regular-season match and the entire playoffs available on billions of devices worldwide, to over 100 countries and regions, with no blackouts. The launch of MLS Season Pass marks the official start of the ten-year partnership between MLS and Apple. The service seeks to create the most expansive and accessible programming lineup ever for MLS fans.
Introduction
Major League Soccer announced its partnership with Apple to launch the MLS Season Pass
The Rollout of MLS Season Pass
Availability
MLS Season Pass launch date and availability to over 100 countries and regions
Content Lineup
Comprehensive programming line-up, including all MLS and Leagues Cup matches, and hundreds of MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro games, during the season
Subscription
Pricing breakdown, which includes a special price for Apple TV+ subscribers
Impact on MLS Fans Worldwide
Broadcast Teams
MLS Season Pass provides fans the flexibility of choosing their preferred broadcast language or listening to home radio broadcasts
Match Time and Schedule
Most matches take place on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, with a few matches at other times. Each match starts at 7:30 pm local time, with pregame coverage beginning at 7 pm ET
Exclusive Content
MLS Season Pass offers exclusive access for fans to live match whip-around shows, game replays, highlights, and analysis
MLS Season Pass Report Card – Month One
Picture Quality
Aesthetically pleasing visuals and imagery. Improved look-and-feel compared to previous live MLS broadcasts
Functionality
The need for more improvement. Interactive glitches upon its launch make the user experience less than expected. Switching off score spoilers is challenging. However, the full-game replays are available if you know how to find them
Commentators
MLS commentators have been promising additions. The users can opt to hear the local announcers or the standard commentary team. There’s no standout commentator, but Keith Costigan and Danny Higginbotham provide insightful analysis
Studio Talent
The quality is impressive. Sacha Kljestan is comfortable, engaging, and his analysis spot on. Bradley Wright-Phillips is also noteworthy and shares his insight based on his experience as a former striker. There are more post-match interviews with coaches and players, but the show sometimes loses steam and becomes repetitive
Programming
The streaming service has room for improvement in this area. Fans are yet to find a show that comes close to rivalling Welcome to Wrexham
MLS Season Pass is now available worldwide on the Apple TV app
Free On-Demand Content
To prepare fans for the forthcoming championship, MLS provides free on-demand content to enrich the excitement and action of the previous season
Season Kickoff
MLS Season Pass will progress to feature every live MLS regular-season match, the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup on February 25.
Conclusion
The MLS and Apple partnership provides a significant and extensive opportunity for MLS fans worldwide to enjoy, experience and celebrate the unique culture and excitement of soccer with easy accessibility and no blackouts. Although it needs more improvement in terms of functionality and programming, the value service offers impressive commentary, pundits, post-match analysis and excellent aesthetics. The streaming service will likely continue to evolve, potentially including alternative programming, expansion, and more free content for soccer fans worldwide.
FAQs
1. Can you subscribe to MLS Season Pass anywhere in the world?
Yes, MLS Season Pass is now available and can be subscribed to in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
2. Can Apple TV+ subscribers sign up for a discounted price?
Yes, subscribers to Apple TV+ can sign up for a discounted price, costing $12.99 per month and $79 per season.
3. Can viewers choose their preferred broadcast language?
Yes, viewers have the option of choosing their preferred broadcast language or listening to home radio broadcasts.
4. What time does each MLS match start?
Each match starts at 7:30 pm local time, with pre-game coverage beginning at 7 pm ET, with the exception of a few matches.
5. What can viewers expect from MLS Season Pass?
MLS Season Pass will offer exclusive content, including live match whip-around shows, game replays, highlights, analysis, and more. Fans will be able to enjoy every live MLS regular-season match and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on billions of devices worldwide.
