EA Sports, in collaboration with North America's Major League Soccer (MLS), has announced a groundbreaking initiative that will allow players of the EA Sports FC mobile soccer game to watch four matches of the 2025 MLS regular season. This marks the first time EA Sports has broadcast live sports matches globally. The viewing option will be available through the in-game FCM TV portal, via a live simulcast of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This innovative arrangement forms part of an ongoing partnership between EA Sports FC, the MLS, and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The live-stream is set to debut on May 10 as reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy take on the New York Red Bulls. The second match will feature Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union fixture scheduled for May 17. The final two matches are slated for September. Lawrence Koh, vice president of EA Sports FC Mobile, has said: “By being able to watch select live MLS Season Pass matches within EA Sports FC Mobile, we’re continuing a commitment to our players to bring them closer to the game they love, by investing in innovation and growing experiences offered through our platform.
Lawrence Koh, vice president of EA Sports FC Mobile, said:
“By being able to watch select live MLS Season Pass matches within EA Sports FC Mobile, we’re continuing a commitment to our players to bring them closer to the game they love, by investing in innovation and growing experiences offered through our platform.
To access these broadcasts, users must reach account level 4 in the game to unlock access. However, it's important to note that this service is limited to countries where the MLS Season Pass is available.
Exclusive perks for players
As an added bonus, players who tune into these broadcasts will receive free in-game currency. Additionally, they'll get a one-month trial of the MLS Season Pass at no cost.
Moreover, as part of this deal, EA Sports FC Mobile players can access Football Centre - a hub brimming with content based on global soccer events. It also allows users to play each real-life match within their game interface - further blurring lines between virtual gaming and real-world sports action. This announcement comes after a significant agreement made by Major League Soccer back in 2022 when it entered into a ten-year global media rights deal with tech giant Apple Inc., allowing every league match streaming rights through Apple TV.
Since 2023, all live MLS matches have been broadcast globally on the Apple TV streaming service. This agreement, worth around $2.5 billion or $250 million per year, will continue until 2032. The current MLS season kicked off in late February and will run through October 18. With this new broadcasting arrangement in place, fans of EA Sports FC Mobile now have an exciting new way to engage with their favorite sport - a testament to the evolving landscape of sports viewing and mobile gaming.
