MLS Scales Back Spanish-Language Broadcasts on Apple TV, Sources Say

EXCERPT: Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to make significant cuts to its Spanish-language broadcast team on Apple TV, according to five sources familiar with the league's plans. The sources also revealed that some live games will be produced from London, and English-language offerings will be downscaled.

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Major League Soccer (MLS) is making considerable changes to its Spanish-language broadcasts on Apple TV, as reported by five sources with knowledge of the situation. The sources spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the league's plans.

When MLS Season Pass debuted on Apple TV in 2023, the league emphasized the importance of its Spanish-language broadcasts, suggesting they would receive equal footing with their English-language counterparts. Initially, this held true, with MLS sending a Spanish-language broadcast team to every match. However, with MLS games now becoming available for free on Apple TV+, this approach will no longer be sustainable.

According to the sources, the Spanish-language MLS 360 show will cease to exist. Instead, some live games will be produced from London, and the league's English-language offerings will also be downscaled. MLS executives and Apple TV representatives had previously emphasized the importance of Spanish-language broadcasts when Season Pass was launched.

Sources familiar with the situation stated that the league's decision to scale back its Spanish-language broadcasts was driven by cost-cutting measures. The MLS season consists of 34 regular-season games per team, which translates to 308 games for the entire league. With the removal of the paywall on Apple TV+, the league has to find alternative ways to monetize its Spanish-language content.

Furthermore, the sources claimed that MLS is looking into collaborating with international broadcasters, such as ESPN Deportes and Univision, to provide coverage for Spanish-speaking viewers. This move could potentially help the league reach a broader audience and offset the loss of its in-house Spanish-language broadcast team.

The sources also mentioned that the English-language broadcast team will see some changes as well. However, the extent of these changes is not yet clear. It remains to be seen how these adjustments will impact the overall viewing experience for MLS fans on Apple TV.

Since Apple TV+ and MLS have not publicly commented on the matter, these details come solely from the sources. The Guardian will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Sources:

• The Guardian: MLS to cut half of Spanish-language broadcast talent on Apple TV, according to sources ()