Sunday, October 4, 2026

Apple Building Ad Network Ahead of MLS Deal

  • Apple is reportedly building an advertising network for live TV.
  • The company inked a deal with MLS earlier this year, reportedly for at least $2.5 billion.
MLS-Apple
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Apple is strengthening its live TV segment as its media rights deal with MLS begins next year.

The company, which inked the MLS pact earlier this year for at least $2.5 billion, is building an advertising network for live TV and is in discussions with MLS sponsors and ad partners, according to Bloomberg. 

  • Apple’s ad unit currently generates roughly $4 billion each year.
  • The company is reportedly looking to bump that to double digits by including ads in more apps and services.

The tech giant — which aims to produce pregame, in-game, and postgame shows for every match — will run ads in the dedicated package, paid TV+ subscriptions, and the free TV app.

MLS commissioner Don Garber previously said MLS will receive a base fee and a percentage of subscription sales. As part of the deal, Apple would air games in a new subscription service and on Apple TV+. Some games will be free through the Apple TV app.

Major League Moves

Apple’s deal with MLS may be the company’s biggest in sports, but it’s not the only one.

In March, Apple signed an agreement with Major League Baseball to stream a weekly doubleheader exclusively on Apple TV+. The deal is reportedly worth $85 million over seven years — $55 million in rights fees and $30 million worth of advertising.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks with Front Office Sports.

Incoming MLS Commissioner Sees ‘Uncapped Upside’ in Media Rights

NYCFC’s CEO called broadcast revenue the league’s biggest weakness.

6 Takeaways From Larry Berg’s Introduction As MLS Commissioner

Berg told FOS that media revenue is “uncapped upside.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Randy Levine on the Yankees’ $2.6B Apollo Deal and the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

Stephen A. Smith: McAfee Has a ‘Different Set of Rules’ at ESPN

Smith signed a nine-figure contract with ESPN last year.
Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans JJ Watt speaks to the fans during his Ring Of Honor Ceremony at halftime during the game between the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
September 14, 2026

J.J. Watt Wasn’t Better Than Tony Romo—but He Was Good Enough

Watt will remain with CBS’s top team for at least two more weeks.
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) makes a touchdown catch over Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 14, 2026

Netflix’s Australia Game Ties YouTube’s NFL Numbers From Brazil

The subscription streaming service posted an increase in global viewership.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Aug 8, 2026; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Berman moderates the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
September 14, 2026

How ESPN Will Use Chris Berman in Its Super Bowl Coverage

Berman has covered 44 straight Super Bowls and watched all 60.
Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a committee event with the Artemis II crew members on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
September 12, 2026

ESPN Faces Criticism for Giving Ted Cruz ‘GameDay’ Air Time

No opponents of the Protect College Sports Act have been interviewed on “GameDay.”
September 12, 2026

Revamped McAfee Kicking Contest Pays First Winner $1.2M

The contest has entered its fourth season on College GameDay.
The Herd
Exclusive
September 12, 2026

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.