• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Apple Building Ad Network Ahead of MLS Deal

  • Apple is reportedly building an advertising network for live TV.
  • The company inked a deal with MLS earlier this year, reportedly for at least $2.5 billion.
MLS-Apple
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Apple is strengthening its live TV segment as its media rights deal with MLS begins next year.

The company, which inked the MLS pact earlier this year for at least $2.5 billion, is building an advertising network for live TV and is in discussions with MLS sponsors and ad partners, according to Bloomberg. 

  • Apple’s ad unit currently generates roughly $4 billion each year.
  • The company is reportedly looking to bump that to double digits by including ads in more apps and services.

The tech giant — which aims to produce pregame, in-game, and postgame shows for every match — will run ads in the dedicated package, paid TV+ subscriptions, and the free TV app.

MLS commissioner Don Garber previously said MLS will receive a base fee and a percentage of subscription sales. As part of the deal, Apple would air games in a new subscription service and on Apple TV+. Some games will be free through the Apple TV app.

Major League Moves

Apple’s deal with MLS may be the company’s biggest in sports, but it’s not the only one.

In March, Apple signed an agreement with Major League Baseball to stream a weekly doubleheader exclusively on Apple TV+. The deal is reportedly worth $85 million over seven years — $55 million in rights fees and $30 million worth of advertising.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Liverpool to Pay Diogo Jota’s $20M Contract to His Widow

Jota had two years remaining on his contract.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
Leo Messi
June 27, 2025

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
June 19, 2025

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.