Fans will be able to watch MLS games at restaurants and bars in 2023, as the league has announced an agreement with DirecTV.
With the season less than two weeks away, it was not known prior to Thursday’s agreement how fans would be able to watch MLS matches on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass outside of their homes or personal devices.
But that issue has now been rectified, as a statement from the satellite service said.
“Through this agreement, DirecTV will deliver the top action from all MLS clubs to its network of more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops and other venues during the 2023 MLS season on their existing satellite equipment,” it read.
After parting ways with the NFL’s Sunday Ticket package, DirecTV is attempting to make up for the loss with the addition of the North American men’s top flight.
“DirecTV For Business boasts an unrivaled nationwide network of more than 300,000 venues where local sports fans gather who count upon us to deliver the very best in live action,” said Rob Thun, DirecTV Chief Content Officer.
“We welcome the addition of MLS Season Pass to an already market-leading lineup of sports properties that our commercial customers can continue to receive seamlessly through their existing satellite equipment and offer to their patrons.”
MLSand Apple came to a landmark media rights agreement in June in a deal worth $2.5 billion over 10 years, moving every MLS match in English and Spanish to MLS Season Pass. The subscription service will have no blackout restrictions.
At least one national chain is excited about the potential of fans filling its establishments to eat wings and watch MLS action.
“Buffalo Wild Wings is excited DirecTV for Business has added MLS Season Pass to an already amazing lineup of national sports offerings,” Tristan Meline, chief marketing officer for Buffalo Wild Wings said in a statement. “With the addition of MLS Season Pass, we are able to offer even more sports fans a reason to come to our sports bars to watch their favorite teams play.”
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