MLS Local Markets Unlikely to Get Media Rights Back when Apple TV Deal Ends: NYCFC CEO

MLS local markets unlikely to get media rights back when Apple TV deal ends: NYCFC CEO

New York City FC CEO Brad Sims doesn’t foresee the day that Major League Soccer ever returns to local market broadcast rights, even if it would benefit the club that he helps run.

MLS teams do not expect to regain local rights after Apple deal ends

Credit: Chadd Cady-Imagn ImagesWhen MLS and Apple began a first-of-its-kind media rights deal in 2023, it was billed as the future. No longer were MLS clubs stuck selling local broadcast rights to regional sports networks or local substations; every game for every team would be available in sparkly high-definition on Apple TV. Whether that deal has succeeded on the merits has been a frequent topic of discussion around the league. It’s fair to sa…