MLS and Apple have partnered with EA Sports to simulcast four select MLS Season Pass matches inside the popular EA Sports FC Mobile game, starting with LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls this Saturday. The initiative aims to broaden MLS’s reach by targeting digitally native and younger audiences. All matches will be direct simulcasts from Apple TV’s Season Pass, with two more games to be announced.
This move complements other accessibility efforts by MLS, including deals with Comcast, DirecTV, and a free Season Pass offer for T-Mobile users, as well as airing a weekly Sunday night match outside the paywall. While these initiatives aim to convert casual viewers into subscribers, some internal league figures remain skeptical of the Apple deal’s effectiveness. Nonetheless, the EA Sports Mobile partnership could be the league’s most impactful move in reaching a global, younger fanbase.