Apple has committed to the next decade of Major League Soccer distribution, starting with the 2023 season. How is the league doing in terms of viewership?
According to the MLS commissioner, the partnership has resulted in “more subscribers than we and Apple anticipated,” which is not saying much. However, the MLS boss is promising more “transparency” going forward.
Ahead of MLS Cup on Saturday, CNBC's Alex Sherman interviewed Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber and asked him about Apple's streaming deal:
“We have more subscribers than we and Apple thought we had. We have more people watching our games,” Garber said. […] “At some point, there’s going to be more transparency,” Garber said. […] “We have the ability to leverage technology, data, and multi-streaming experiences that we couldn’t do with linear, maybe even other streaming services,” Garber said. “So when you can partner with a company like Apple, you have the ability to solve problems and hope for a better future.”
As for Lionel Messi’s rise, the commissioner expects the next generation of Messi to emerge and attract the attention of younger viewers. The problem? Messi spent the best years of his career playing outside the States. Can MLS and Apple bring the same amount of attention to a player who spends his career in the United States?
For now, MLS Cup on Saturday is a quick test of Messi’s rise. LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls. Messi's Inter Miami fail to qualify. MLS on Apple TV+ has been synonymous with Lionel Messi for a while. The cup final is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The broadcast will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Gift ideas for iPhone users and Apple fans:
- Rode Wireless Micro
- Anker Qi2 MagGo Wireless Charging Station
- Belkin Stage Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit
- After Steve by Tripp Mickle
- Beats Pill (2024)
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