MLS Kicks Off 30th Season With Exciting New Features

Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to launch its 30th season, introducing several exciting features aimed at enhancing the fan experience. The season will kick off on February 22, 2025, with a new marquee match on Sunday nights, dubbed "Sunday Night Soccer," alongside a host of other improvements in broadcasting and accessibility.

Key Takeaways

• Launch Date: The MLS season begins on February 22, 2025.
• New Feature: Introduction of "Sunday Night Soccer" for weekly marquee matchups.
• Broadcasting: Enhanced production quality and dedicated pre- and post-game shows.
• Accessibility: Free access to Sunday Night Soccer for Apple TV+ subscribers.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with T-Mobile, Comcast, and DirecTV for promotional offers.

Sunday Night Soccer: A New Era

The highlight of the 2025 season is the introduction of "Sunday Night Soccer," a weekly primetime matchup that aims to attract a larger audience by airing during a competitive viewing slot traditionally dominated by the NFL. This initiative is part of MLS’s strategy to elevate its profile and engage more fans.

The inaugural match will feature the newly established San Diego FC facing off against the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, on February 23 at 7:00 PM ET. This match will be broadcast live in Times Square, adding to the excitement.

Enhanced Viewing Experience

Fans can expect a significantly improved viewing experience this season. The Sunday Night Soccer matches will include:

• Enhanced Production: Upgraded graphics and studio programming.
• Dedicated Commentary: English broadcasts will feature Jake Zivin, Taylor Twellman, and Andrew Wiebe, while Spanish commentary will be provided by Sammy Sadovnik and Diego Valeri.
• Pre- and Post-Game Shows: Comprehensive coverage surrounding each match to provide insights and analysis.

Subscription and Accessibility Options

The MLS Season Pass will continue to offer every game without blackouts, available for $14.99 per month or $99 for the full season. Apple TV+ subscribers can enjoy a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $79 for the season. Notably, all Sunday Night Soccer matches will be free for Apple TV+ subscribers, making it easier for fans to engage with the league.

Partnerships and Promotions

MLS has partnered with several companies to enhance accessibility and offer promotional deals:

• T-Mobile: Qualified customers can access the MLS Season Pass for free.
• Comcast Xfinity: Integrated viewing experience for subscribers, including free access to the MLS 360 whip-around show.
• DirecTV: Free preview of the MLS Season Pass from February 22 to March 1, 2025.

Looking Ahead

As MLS celebrates its 30th anniversary, the league is poised for a transformative season. With the addition of new features like Sunday Night Soccer and enhanced broadcasting capabilities, MLS aims to redefine how fans experience soccer in North America. The partnership with Apple continues to play a crucial role in expanding the league’s reach and accessibility, promising an exciting year ahead for soccer enthusiasts.

Sources

• Fofana excited for MLS journey | "I know the league is very hard and I will work to help the team" | New England Revolution, revolutionsoccer.net.
• Apple adds Sunday Night Soccer matches to MLS Season Pass | PCWorld, PCWorld.
• MLS introduces ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ broadcasts on Apple TV, Pro Soccer Wire.
• MLS to introduce Sunday Night Soccer for 2025 and will go head-to-head with the NFL – The Athletic, The New York Times.
• Major League Soccer returns to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV – Apple, Apple.