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Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to make waves in the sports broadcasting landscape with the introduction of "Sunday Night Soccer" for the 2025 season. This new weekly primetime matchup aims to attract a larger audience by going head-to-head with the NFL, marking a significant shift in the league’s strategy to enhance its visibility and engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: The first Sunday Night Soccer match will take place on February 23, 2025.
- Featured Match: San Diego FC will face off against LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS Cup champions.
- Broadcasting Details: Matches will be available for free to Apple TV+ subscribers, with dedicated pre- and post-game shows.
- Production Quality: Enhanced production values and bespoke graphics will accompany the broadcasts.
- Partnership with Apple: This initiative is part of a 10-year deal between MLS and Apple, worth approximately $2.5 billion.
Sunday Night Soccer: A Game Changer
The introduction of Sunday Night Soccer is a strategic move by MLS to carve out a niche in the crowded sports broadcasting market. By scheduling a marquee matchup on Sunday evenings, the league hopes to capture the attention of sports fans who are typically glued to NFL games during this time.
The first match will feature the newly established San Diego FC against the LA Galaxy, promising an exciting start to this new tradition. The game is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and it will be broadcasted in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
MLS is committed to providing an elevated viewing experience for fans. Each Sunday Night Soccer match will include:
- Dedicated Pre- and Post-Game Shows: These segments will offer insights, analysis, and commentary, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Enhanced Production: The league promises improved graphics and production quality, making the broadcasts visually appealing.
- Expert Commentary: The English broadcast team will feature Jake Zivin, Taylor Twellman, and Andrew Wiebe, while the Spanish commentary will be led by Sammy Sadovnik and Diego Valeri.
Subscription and Promotions
The MLS Season Pass will continue to be available at a monthly rate of $14.99 or $99 for the entire 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 an attractive option for fans.
In addition to the standard subscription, MLS has partnered with T-Mobile, Comcast, and DirecTV to offer promotional deals:
- T-Mobile: Qualified customers can access the MLS Season Pass for free.
- Comcast Xfinity: Subscribers will have an integrated experience, with easy access to all MLS matches and free access to the "MLS 360" whip-around show.
- DirecTV: Customers will receive a free preview of the MLS Season Pass from February 22 to March 1.
Looking Ahead
As MLS celebrates its 30th anniversary, the introduction of Sunday Night Soccer represents a bold step forward in its efforts to grow the league’s fanbase and viewership. With the backing of Apple and a commitment to high-quality broadcasts, MLS is poised to make a significant impact in the sports entertainment landscape in 2025 and beyond. The league’s partnership with Apple has already begun to reshape how fans experience soccer, and the addition of this new weekly feature is expected to further enhance that experience.
