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Apple is set to revolutionize sports streaming by integrating Major League Soccer (MLS) games into its standard Apple TV+ subscription. This major shift eliminates the need for a separate MLS Season Pass, making live football more accessible to millions of viewers. Here’s what you need to know.
Apple and MLS: A Game-Changing Move
Since 2023, Apple and MLS have maintained an exclusive $2.5 billion, 10-year streaming deal, requiring fans to buy an additional MLS Season Pass ($14.99/month or $99/year). Now, select matches will be available to all Apple TV+ subscribers ($9.99/month), significantly broadening the league’s audience.
Analysts see this as Apple’s strategy to compete with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, leveraging live sports to drive subscriptions. With MLS gaining global stars like Lionel Messi, this move could attract casual fans who previously hesitated to pay extra.
How Indian Football Fans Benefit
For Indian viewers, this is a major win. While EPL and La Liga dominate, MLS’s popularity is rising, thanks to Messi’s move to Inter Miami. Earlier, watching MLS legally required expensive sports channels or VPNs. Now, Apple TV+ (₹149/month) offers a cheaper, hassle-free alternative.
Will Other Leagues Follow Apple’s Model?
The big question: Will Serie A, Ligue 1, or other leagues adopt similar streaming strategies? Traditional pay-TV sports broadcasts are costly, and Apple’s approach could push competitors like Amazon (NFL, Premier League) and Netflix to rethink pricing.
Challenges Ahead
- Fan Backlash: Hardcore MLS supporters who already paid for Season Pass may feel undervalued.
- Streaming Quality: Internet-dependent broadcasts could face buffering issues in regions with poor connectivity.
- Global Appeal: MLS still trails Europe’s top leagues, requiring strong marketing to convert casual viewers.
The Future of Sports Streaming
Apple’s move signals a shift toward affordable, subscription-based sports access. If successful, expect more leagues to explore direct-to-consumer streaming, disrupting traditional broadcast models.
For now, football fans worldwide—especially in India—can enjoy easier, cheaper access to MLS. Will this set a new trend? Stay tuned for updates.
— Team NextMinuteNews
