Tech giant Apple will air all matches of the 2023 Leagues Cup, the annual competition featuring clubs from the US’ top-tier Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s top-tier Liga MX, in Mexico after securing a rights deal with Liga MX.
The tie-up will see Apple broadcast all 77 matches of this year’s edition via its new MLS Season Pass streaming service on the Apple TV app from July 21 to August 19. The tech giant also holds rights to the tournament in the US.
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Apple launched MLS Season Pass in February after securing a 10-year global media rights deal for rights to stream every match from the MLS starting with the 2023 season.
The initial price for the service was set at $99 per season or $15 per month, with Apple TV subscribers getting a discounted rate of $79 per season or $13 per month.
As part of the deal, Liga MX fans will gain access to a one-month free trial of MLS Season Pass, which is currently being sold at half price due to the MLS season already reaching its halfway point.
Liga MX executive president Mikel Arriola said: “Through this unprecedented effort, we are confident that soccer in our region will draw new fans around the world and we’re thrilled to be working with Apple to showcase the quality and talent of our teams, and players on a global level through the Apple TV app.”
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By GlobalDataThis year’s expanded tournament will be the first to feature 47 clubs from Liga MX and MLS, with both teams taking mid-season breaks to participate.
This edition will also feature soccer legend Lionel Messi, who recently signed for MLS side Inter Miami in an Apple-backed deal.
He is likely to feature for the first time during the Florida-based side’s clash against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
As an official CONCACAF competition, the top three finishers will advance to the newly rebranded CONCACAF 2024 Champions Cup competition and will be eligible to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah between December 12 and 22.
Along with MLS and Leagues Cup, MLS Season Pass also airs matches from the development leagues MLS Next Pro and MLS Next. Its programming also includes the MLS 360 studio show.
Ahead of this year’s edition, the tournament has announced several sponsorship agreements including Tequila brand Gran Centenario, beer brand Coors Lights, and sportswear giant adidas.
Meanwhile, financial services company Netspend has agreed to a multi-year deal to sponsor the tournament.
Under the deal, Netspend will become the tournament’s official debit, prepaid cards, and remittance partner, and market its financial products and services throughout the competition.
The company said it will run a series of activations and experiential marketing campaigns to “illustrate its commitment to providing new levels of financial access and empowerment to a growing population of young, digitally-savvy North American soccer fans and consumers.”
Bertrand Sosa, Netspend’s co-founder and president said: “Both Leagues Cup and Netspend are starting new chapters to stay ahead of the changing state of play in the global game of soccer and in financial services, so it’s a fitting and timely partnership.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with lifelong MLS and Liga MX fans who are looking for more relevant payment products that fit their lifestyle and cultural needs on both sides of the border.”
