MLS introducing primetime 'Sunday Night Soccer' game

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th January, 13:47 2025

Feb 25, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) dribbles the ball against the LA Galaxy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Major League Soccer is introducing "Sunday Night Soccer," a primetime matchup that will "spotlight the league's most compelling matchups," according to an MLS news release on Wednesday.

The games will stream free for Apple TV+ subscribers, and they will air up against both "Sunday Night Baseball" programming on ESPN and NBC's "Sunday Night Football" package throughout the 2025 season.

The first "Sunday Night Soccer" game of the regular season will feature expansion team San Diego FC against reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy on Feb. 23.

Drawing fans in the fall against football could be a tough task for MLS, however. Heading into the 2024 season, "Sunday Night Football" was the No. 1 primetime show on TV for 13 consecutive years.

Therefore, MLS and Apple will need to bring something special to the broadcasts. In its release, MLS promised "dedicated pre- and postgame shows, enhanced production and studio programming, and bespoke graphics in English and Spanish."

MLS Season Pass broadcasters Jake Zivin, Taylor Twellman and Andrew Wiebe will call the English broadcasts, and Sammy Sadovnik and Diego Valeri will handle those airing in Spanish.

Apple and MLS are in the midst of a reported 10-year, $2.5 billion deal.

--Field Level Media

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