• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 13, 2025

Messi Adds Bonus Value To Apple’s $2.5B Rights Deal

  • The tech giant seems to have gotten a bargain on its deal signed before Messi’s arrival.
  • Messi will reportedly receive a revenue share of subscriptions to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
Major League Soccer via USA Today Sports

When Apple signed its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal for MLS broadcast rights just over a year ago, the tech giant certainly wasn’t anticipating becoming the exclusive worldwide home of Lionel Messi in its first season.

But that’s exactly what happened. Now, Messi’s debut with Inter Miami against Liga MX club Cruz Azul can only be viewed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ at 8 p.m. ET.

When the rumors of Messi’s interest in MLS really started heating up, Apple didn’t want to miss out. The effort to lure Messi was so great that the league’s sole media partner agreed to share revenue from MLS Season Pass with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

With Messi’s arrival, Apple’s global rights to distribute MLS games become that much more valuable. Before, it would be hard to understand why many fans outside the U.S. would be interested enough in purchasing a subscription — but now the possibilities are endless as fans from every corner of the earth want to get a glimpse of the superstar in Miami.

“It makes Apple look really smart,” sports attorney Irwin Kishner told Front Office Sports.

Priced at $99 per season for non-Apple TV+ subscribers — now down to $49 for the remainder of the 2023 campaign — MLS Season Pass had already been beating internal expectations for signups and viewership.

Next season could be the real money-maker for Apple as Inter Miami gets a full season of Messi and will look to make a championship run.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.

Jozy Altidore: Becoming an NFL Owner Is Like Going Back to School

Altidore owns stakes in the Bills and the NWSL’s Bay FC.

NYCFC’s New $780M Queens Stadium Comes With Jab at Red Bulls

The MLS club progresses on developing its new stadium in Queens, N.Y.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Aces

WNBA Finals Most Viewed In 25 Years Despite Possible Aces Sweep

Games 2 and 3 have averaged more than 1.2 million viewers.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Alyssa Lang Joins ESPN NBA Sideline Reporter Ranks

Lang has been a host and reporter for ESPN and SEC Network since 2018.
Spectrum
October 10, 2025

ESPN Streaming Service at Core of New Spectrum Plan

The No. 1 U.S. distributor further blends linear and streaming TV.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oregon Ducks inside linebacker Will Straton celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
October 9, 2025

CBS Eyes Breakthrough As Big Ten Ratings Still Lag Behind SEC

The network will air No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.
Netflix
October 9, 2025

Netflix Claims Bigger NFL Package ‘Doesn’t Really Fit’ Sports Strategy

Roger Goodell has signaled media-rights conversations could restart next year.
Dana Evans
October 8, 2025

WNBA Starts Finals With Best Viewership Since Inaugural Season

Game 1 averaged 1.9 million viewers on ESPN.
Mar 19, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; USA shortstop Trea Turner (8) throws to first base for an out during the first inning at LoanDepot Park.
October 7, 2025

Fox Picks Up Media Rights to 2026 World Baseball Classic

The network will repeat its role in the international baseball tournament.