MLS Publishes Unchecked AI-Generated Game Recaps

MLS is using artificial intelligence to write match recaps on its website, and it isn’t double checking their accuracy.

Fans and media members over the weekend complained on social media over the weekend as they noticed the articles.

Two stat-heavy game recaps posted Saturday evening on the official MLS website say they were “created by MLS Generative AI.” One described the Vancouver Whitecaps’ victory over Orlando City FC, and the other covered Inter Miami’s win over Atlanta United.

“This story was automatically generated based on match data,” reads a notice at the bottom of the recap. “Content has not been reviewed by editorial staff.”

Spokespeople for MLS did not respond to requests for comment.

The articles link to a short feedback form where readers can rate the specific match recap and submit their comments. The form’s dropdown includes other matches from the weekend as well as upcoming matches next Saturday, indicating the league might be planning other AI-generated articles.

The league website does not include recaps for any other matches from this past weekend. As of Tuesday morning, Google still populates search results for a recap of LA Galaxy’s Saturday win over FC Dallas, but the corresponding page on the MLS website produces an error message. The other two recaps are still live on the website.

“This sucks. A lot. I know from my own experience doing it— it is NOT expensive to pay humans to do this,” posted Athletic writer Tom Bogert. “This is so shameful. You can’t claim to be a serious league when you’re doing shit like this,” posted Sounders writer Michael Martinez.

Last fall, ESPN began using AI to create some game recaps, a decision which was also met with backlash, particularly for failing to mention it was Alex Morgan’s final game in one of the articles. The Associated Press has also been open about using AI “when it can free up our journalists to do more meaningful work,” including for game recaps.