DirecTV has been granted MLS broadcasting rights after becoming the national provider of the Apple-backed MLS Season Pass.
In what could be a key move for the expansion of the league’s engagement across the US, the satellite TV provider will ensure the live coverage of every MLS club in more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, shops, hotel lounges, and other venues.
Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer at DirecTV, said: “DirecTV for Business boasts an unrivalled nationwide network of more than 300,000 venues where local sports fans gather who count upon us to deliver the very best in live action.
“We welcome the addition of MLS Season Pass to an already market-leading lineup of sports properties that our commercial customers can continue to receive seamlessly through their existing satellite equipment and offer to their patrons.”
Some of the venues that DirecTV will provide with coverage have already welcomed the news, with Buffalo Wild Wings’ Chief Marketing Officer Tristan Meline calling it a suitable addition to an “amazing lineup of offerings”.
“Buffalo Wild Wings is excited DirecTV for Business has added MLS Season Pass to an already amazing lineup of national sports offerings. With the addition of MLS Season Pass, we are able to offer even more sports fans a reason to come to our sports bars to watch their favourite teams play,” Meline said.
Apple signed a 10-year contract with the MLS that saw the launch of the MLS Season Pass subscription and its live coverage of the season and additional content from the MLS All-Star Game, the MLS Cup layoffs and the Leagues Cup.
The Pass is available for US $14.99/month or US $99 for the whole season, with discounted prices offered to existing AppleTV+ subscribers.
Insider Sport Insight: As the MLS continues to grow, the move to expand its broadcasting footprint through a new deal with DirecTV can be key to drawing new eyes to the games and elevating fan engagement within the sport. Additionally, being broadcasted in such populated places could have a knock-on effect for the league’s sponsorship capabilities, bolstering opportunities in the space.
