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MLS Local Markets Unlikely to Regain Media Rights After Apple TV Deal Ends
NYCFC CEO says league is unlikely to return to local broadcast model
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:34pm
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New York City FC CEO Brad Sims does not foresee Major League Soccer returning to local market broadcast rights agreements, even after the league's current $250 million per year media rights deal with Apple TV ends following the 2028-29 season. Sims admitted that local TV rights would be better financially for a club like NYCFC, but believes the league-wide streaming model is the best path forward.
Why it matters
The MLS media rights deal with Apple TV has been a controversial topic, with some clubs preferring the old local broadcast model. However, the league seems committed to the national streaming approach, which could have long-term implications for fan engagement and revenue.
The details
NYCFC previously aired games locally on YES Network from 2015 to 2022, but the league moved all teams' broadcasts to the Apple TV 'MLS Season Pass' package starting in 2023. Sims acknowledged that local rights would be better financially for NYCFC, but believes the league-wide streaming model is likely the best path forward, even if broadcast rates need to improve.
- The MLS and Apple TV media rights deal will end following the 2028-29 season.
- NYCFC aired games locally on YES Network from 2015 to 2022.
The players
Brad Sims
CEO of New York City FC.
Gonzalo Luján
Inter Miami player who competed against NYCFC.
Nicolás Fernández
New York City FC player who competed against Inter Miami.
Jonathan Shore
New York City FC player who competed against Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami player who competed against NYCFC.
What they’re saying
“'I don't see that ever happening again.'”
— Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC
“'We were better off financially in a model where we could have local rights. I don't know that that's best for the league as a whole, as an enterprise. I think that what was done, and how it was built, is probably the best path.'”
— Brad Sims, CEO of New York City FC
What’s next
The MLS will be closely watching the impact of this summer's World Cup on soccer's popularity in the U.S. as it prepares to negotiate its next media rights deal.
The takeaway
While some individual clubs may prefer the old local broadcast model, the MLS appears committed to its national streaming approach with Apple TV. This strategy could have long-term implications for fan engagement and revenue, though the league will need to continue improving the broadcast product to maximize its value.
