Apple TV's MLS coverage has been a huge success for one small(ish) reason

EntertainmentStreamingApple TV’s MLS coverage has been a huge success for one small(ish) reasonApple’s football coverage is thriving for one reasonWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Apple’s football coverage is thriving for one reason

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images / Chris Arjoon)

Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi

(Image credit: Getty Images / Chris Arjoon)

Quick SummaryMLS Season Pass viewership is growing – and there’s a small reason why.At just 5 foot 7, superstar Lionel Messi is a small package attracting legions of fans.

MLS Season Pass viewership is growing – and there’s a small reason why.At just 5 foot 7, superstar Lionel Messi is a small package attracting legions of fans.

MLS Season Pass viewership is growing – and there’s a small reason why.

At just 5 foot 7, superstar Lionel Messi is a small package attracting legions of fans.

If you’re a football fan, you’ll know that the constant back and forth over streaming is a real bug bear. In the UK, the rights to watch the beautiful game are split out over a range of different channels, with a massive amount not brought to TV at all.

One major disruptor in that space isApple. The brand – best known for theiPhone– bought the rights to the US-top flight in 2023, giving birth to theMLS Season Pass.

That was hailed as something of a revolution. Every single match was streamed on the app, with a single, affordable price point giving users access to every aspect of the league.

An unnamed source in that article suggests that one million people tune in every Saturday to watch the coverage. They also mentioned a 50% increase in viewership for the playoffs from 2023 to 2024.

Still, the diminutive winger isn’t solely responsible for the uptick. While it’s no secret that he can draw a crowd, the report noted that audiences were still up for those Playoff games, even with the Inter Miami fixtures removed.

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It’s a great sign for fans of football. I’ve been open and vocal about wanting to see this style of streaming introduced in other places. For me, the MLS Season Pass is the ultimate example of what can be achieved in the football world when user convenience is put ahead of capitalist greed.

With just two of Apple’s ten-year deal elapsed to far, I’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on how the service develops in the coming years.

Today’s best Apple TV+ dealsApple TV+ Free TrialViewatApple TV+Apple TV+ - Monthly$9.99/mthViewatApple TV+Apple TV Plus MLS - Monthly$14.99/mthViewatApple TV+

Today’s best Apple TV+ deals

Apple TV+ Free TrialViewatApple TV+Apple TV+ - Monthly$9.99/mthViewatApple TV+Apple TV Plus MLS - Monthly$14.99/mthViewatApple TV+

Apple TV+ Free TrialViewatApple TV+

Apple TV+ Free Trial

View

atApple TV+

Apple TV+ - Monthly$9.99/mthViewatApple TV+

AppleTV+

Apple TV+ - Monthly

$9.99/mthView

$9.99/mth

/mth

atApple TV+

Apple TV Plus MLS - Monthly$14.99/mthViewatApple TV+

AppleTV+

Apple TV Plus MLS - Monthly

$14.99/mthView

$14.99/mth

/mth

atApple TV+

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