USA Today via Reuters
Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Gareth Bale (11) hoists the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Union in the 2022 MLS Cup championship game at Banc of California Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Gareth Bale (11) hoists the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Union in the 2022 MLS Cup championship game at Banc of California Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
This soccer season in America is in full movement. While NWSL is set to start, the MLS has been running for close to 30 days. USMNT has also been in action in the CONCACAF Nations League. Amid a season filled with excitement and anticipation for the MLS, there is also a feeling of dread looming in the background.
Reports of the MLS potentially losing their $2.5 billion deal with Apple has concerned fans and forced the league to face an uncertain future. MLS’ fears were only exacerbated when the USMNT was victorious against Grenada in the CONCACAF Nations League.
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Why the win of USMNT is a massive setback for MLS
The USMNT’s 7-1 win over Grenada is thrilling for American soccer fans and offers a glimpse of the great talent the country’s international side has to offer. But the game was not without its negatives, as it marked the first time since the inception of the MLS that the USMNT started without a single MLS player present.
1 – With Miles Robinson a healthy scratch, the @USMNT will play a competitive match without using a single MLS player for the first time since the league began in 1996. Global. pic.twitter.com/Pitx2lt41e
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 24, 2023
Usually, the USMNT would be composed of multiple MLS players. This lack of representation is concerning, as it could signal a potential decline in the quality of the MLS. With the victory not having any MLS players in their starting lineup, it, unfortunately, serves as a sign to the world that the American domestic league is far away yet from competing with European Leagues.
This is surely a cause for concern, and with the league facing the prospect of losing its deal with Apple, it could also lead to an even bigger setback for the domestic soccer league.
MLS could lose its deal with Apple
In February 2022, Apple took the soccer world by surprise when it announced a massive deal with Major League Soccer (MLS). The 10-year agreement was to get the broadcasting rights of the MLS and the deal was worth a whopping $2.5 billion. As a result, the 2023 season has been broadcast on Apple’s digital streaming service Apple TV+.
It came with great promise and a lot of excitement, but it seems as though the future may not be as bright as initially thought. Reports have emerged that the original deal between the two companies included a clause that allows Apple to opt out of their agreement if certain targets are not met.
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Apple's deal with MLS is believed to have an "opt-out clause", per @TheAthletic, if enough people don’t sign up for MLS Season Pass in a set timeframe.
Commissioner Don Garber did not confirm or deny such a clause. pic.twitter.com/Js3XVmEg8G
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 7, 2023
One of these targets, according to reports, is that the Apple TV+ Season Pass subscription numbers should meet predetermined criteria to maintain their broadcasting rights. It is still unclear as to whether Apple will decide to opt out of the agreement.
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Only time will tell what will happen with the MLS and Apple agreement. What are your thoughts on this? let us know in the comments.
