Apple TV and Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced their collaboration on a new all-access docuseries that will chronicle the upcoming MLS season. Similar to other popular docuseries in sports such as golf, auto racing, and tennis, this eight-part series will provide fans with a deep, behind-the-scenes look at the league.
The series is already in production and will cover the entire season, from preseason to the MLS Cup final in December. Apple and MLS are partnering with Box to Box Films, with executive producers James Gay-Rees, Paul Martin, and Warren Smith. This collaboration builds on the league's existing 10-year media rights deal with Apple TV, which has seen success following the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
MLS executive vice president of media, Seth Bacon, emphasized the importance of this project and its potential to attract new fans to the league. With the momentum from the partnership with Apple, Messi's arrival, the launch of the Leagues Cup, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MLS sees this docuseries as an opportunity to showcase the league and its exciting developments.
While the new series is currently untitled and does not have an official launch date, it will join Apple's lineup of soccer docuseries, including "Messi Meets America" and "Messi's World Cup: The Rise of a Legend," which provide exclusive access to Messi's debut season and his journey with Argentina's national team.
Apple's 10-year deal with MLS is valued at least $2.5 billion, a significant increase compared to the previous agreement with Fox, ESPN, and Univision. The partnership has already exceeded subscriber targets, with Apple CEO Tim Cook attributing the success to Messi's arrival.
Overall, this collaboration between Apple TV and MLS on a new docuseries reflects the growing popularity and demand for behind-the-scenes content in sports. Fans can look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the MLS season and its key narratives through this upcoming series.