TVA Sports confirms this means it loses its rights to broadcast games after this season
TORONTO — Apple and Major League Soccer (MLS) announced yesterday a new MLS streaming service available exclusively through the Apple TV app, which “will be the exclusive destination to watch every single live MLS match beginning in 2023,” according to a press release.
“This partnership is a historic first for a major professional sports league, and will allow fans around the world to watch all MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches in one place — without any local broadcast blackouts or the need for a traditional pay TV bundle,” the release reads.
The agreement between the two companies is for 10 years, from early 2023 through 2032, according to the release.
“In addition to all of the match content, the service will provide fans a new weekly live match whip-around show so they never miss an exciting goal or save, and also game replays, highlights, analysis, and other original programming. This live and on-demand MLS content will provide in-depth, behind-the-scenes views of the players and clubs that fans love,” the release says.
“A broad selection of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including some of the biggest matchups, 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 to fans, access to the new MLS streaming service will be included as part of MLS full-season ticket packages.”
At launch, all MLS and Leagues Cup matches will include announcers calling the action in English and Spanish and all matches involving Canadian teams will be available in French.
Complete details about the new MLS streaming service, including subscription pricing, will be announced in the coming months, the release says.
“For the first time in the history of sports, fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice-president of services, in the release. “It’s a dream come true for MLS fans, soccer fans, and anyone who loves sports. No fragmentation, no frustration — just the flexibility to sign up for one convenient service that gives you everything MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch. We can’t wait to make it easy for even more people to fall in love with MLS and root for their favourite club.”
“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” said Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner. “Given Apple’s ability to create a best-in-class user experience and to reach fans everywhere, it’ll be incredibly easy to enjoy MLS matches anywhere, whether you’re a super fan or casual viewer.”
The MLS content on the Apple TV app will be available across all devices where the app is available, 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 gaming consoles; Chromecast with Google TV; and Comcast Xfinity. The live and on-demand content will also be available at tv.apple.com.
It appears this means it is the end of the road for MLS on Bell Media’s TSN and TVA Group’s TVA Sports.
We reached out to Bell to confirm this means TSN will no longer broadcast MLS games on linear television but did not hear back. TVA, however, confirmed it will lose its rights after this season.
“TVA Sports is pleased to have contributed to the growth of CF Montréal and the MLS for the past 6 years,” said Louis-Philippe Neveu, general manager, TVA Sports, in a statement emailed to Cartt.ca.
“We are surprised and disappointed by the MLS’s decision, which we believe will hurt soccer’s visibility and popularity in Québec. TVA Sports will broadcast CF Montréal’s 18 remaining games this season.”
Image borrowed from Apple Canada’s website.
