Major League Soccer (MLS) is taking a significant step forward in its media and broadcast production. In an effort to expand its content offerings, streamline operations, and centralize its broadcast content and graphics, MLS is moving its production arm, MLS Productions, to the state-of-the-art WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.
To facilitate this transition, MLS has renewed its production partnership with IMG. This collaboration will see IMG produce live match and studio productions for more than 600 annual games on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The move marks a new era for MLS Productions as it broadens the scope of programming for the upcoming season. The Studios at WWE will serve as a hub for all live studio programming and content in both English and Spanish.
Cutting edge technology at The Studios at WWE
The Studios at WWE is renowned for featuring cutting-edge technology that promises to elevate the quality of productions on the MLS Season Pass. This 30k square foot facility boasts five studios equipped with advanced technologies and wide-ranging production amenities including a virtual production stage.
This bespoke facility has been engineered specifically towards meeting the needs of MLS Productions - ensuring that fans can expect high-quality broadcasts from every game.
The move comes after TKO Group Holdings - which owns The Studios at WWE - recently reached an agreement with Endeavor to acquire IMG. As such, this shift represents not just a change in location but also signifies an important collaboration between industry giants: MLS, Apple TV+, IMG (now part of TKO Group Holdings), NEP Group Inc., and World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.
Global reach via Apple TV+
With these changes underway, fans around the world can look forward to streaming every single match from one destination – thanks to Apple TV+'s global reach through their platform's service: 'MLS Season Pass'.
Seth Bacon, Executive Vice President of Media at MLS, expressed optimism about the move and the potential it holds for enhancing their content offerings.
Seth Bacon, executive vice president, MLS, said:
“The debut of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV has been remarkable for fans around the world to be able to consume all MLS games and content. With the incredible momentum and excitement around the league, we are thrilled to further our partnership with IMG to support our vision of elevating production, creating new viewing opportunities, and pushing the sports broadcast landscape into the future.”
This move by Major League Soccer to The Studios at WWE represents a significant step forward in its media production capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships with industry giants like IMG and Apple TV+, MLS is poised to deliver an enhanced viewing experience for sports fans around the world.
