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Major League Soccer has partnered with OneFootball, a German digital media platform, to provide highlights, stats, and other content to a global audience. OneFootball will have access to highlights of numerous MLS matches each season. MLS will also be taking a stake in OneFootball, becoming one of many financial investors and European soccer clubs that are shareholders. This move comes as MLS aims to expand its audience and capitalize on its recent surge in popularity following Lionel Messi’s arrival in the league.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has boosted MLS’ attendance and audience, leading to an increase in sponsorship revenue. Global social media engagement for MLS has also seen a significant rise, particularly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. OneFootball, available as a mobile app, TV streaming app, and website, will offer the new content internationally and through its partnership and content hub with Yahoo Sports in the U.S.
In a separate development, MLS recently signed an exclusive global media rights deal with Apple, setting itself apart from other major professional sports leagues in the U.S. All MLS games are available through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, which is offered as a separate subscription alongside Apple TV+ streaming service. Viewership stats for MLS since the deal with Apple began have shown growth, especially since Messi’s arrival in the league. The partnership with Apple has opened up new opportunities for MLS to drive subscriptions and expand its reach.
OneFootball CEO Patrick Fischer emphasized the changing landscape of soccer in the U.S., driven in part by Messi’s presence and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. The focus for MLS and its partners like OneFootball is on leveraging data to enhance fan engagement and drive strategic initiatives for growth.
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Emily Jensen, graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the UK in 2015 with a degree in Economics. She specializes in financial markets and international trade. After graduating, she worked as an analyst at an investment bank in London, where she developed expertise in global economic trends. She later transitioned into consulting, focusing on fintech ventures and providing insights into global economic developments. Emily is passionate about the intersection of finance and technology and aims to drive innovation in the financial sector.
