Now you might ask where Apple comes into play in all of this. It is reported that Lionel Messi will receive a share of the revenue from Apple TV’s Major League Soccer revenue. As reported by ESPN, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami isn’t just salary. In the terms of the contract with Messi, Inter Miami has promised Messi a cut of revenue from Apple TV’s MLS season pass streaming service. For the unaware, Apple recently bagged the right for streaming Major League Soccer games on Apple TV+ in more than 100 countries and regions. The MLS season pass costs $14.99 per month or $99 per season. However, if you are an Apple TV+ subscriber already, you will have to pay a discounted price of $12.99 per month or $79 per season. Apple has the streaming rights of MLS for the next 10 years.
Apple to benefit from Messi’s move
Messi’s signing has instantly turned Apple MLS Season Pass subscription into something that would sell like hot cakes. He is arguably the best signing of MLS after David Beckham who signed for the soccer league in 2007. Messi’s popularity could help Apple massively and help sell the MLS season pass subscription to football fans who are otherwise least interested in football outside Europe. On June 6, Apple announced that it will air a four part documentary series on Lionel Messi. In hindsight, it could now be seen as a hint before the news broke out that Messi has signed for Inter Miami. The official Twitter account of Major League Soccer confirmed yesterday that Lionel Messi is currently in the process of signing with Inter Miami. “We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer. Although work remains to finalize a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.” Apple has timed its MLS broadcast deal at a perfect time. With Lionel Messi signing with Inter Miami, the Women’s World Cup 2023, and Men’s World Cup in 2026 which will be organized in the U.S. and Canada, America will become a center of attraction for football fan lovers. This will hugely benefit Apple which holds the streaming rights for the biggest football league in the country.
