MLS and ESPN: A Potential Reunion on the Horizon

The recent news that Major League Baseball (MLB) is opting out of its 35-year broadcasting deal with ESPN at the end of the 2025 season has sparked speculation about potential changes in sports broadcasting. For the Major League Soccer (MLS), this could be an opportune moment to strengthen its relationship with ESPN. Here’s why both leagues might benefit from a renewed partnership.

1. ESPN’s Need for Summer Content

Once MLB games are off the schedule in the spring and summer, ESPN will face a void of major men’s professional sports coverage. MLS, which traditionally plays its regular season from March to October, could fill this gap, especially if the league shifts to a fall-to-spring schedule in coming years. This alignment would make sense, especially when MLS contest the statistically intense Leagues Cup tournament during this period.

2. Shared Production Costs

The MLS recently signed a 10-year, worldwide streaming deal with Apple TV, which mandates the league to bear significant broadcasting production costs. This has resulted in financial pressures on MLS, including pay cuts for on-air talents and remote studio games. A new deal with ESPN could offer some relief, leveraging ESPN’s substantial resources to share production expenses and reduce financial strain on MLS.

3. Optimal Timing for MLS

The timing of ESPN’s ESPN decision is fortuitous for MLS. The league is set to welcome Lionel Messi, one of the most globally recognized soccer stars, next season. Additionally, the United States is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both events will likely increase the league’s popularity and attractiveness to ESPN, making a partnership more appealing than ever.

4. Post-Fox Strategic Opportunities

ESPN’s cable opportunity will widen after Fox Sports’ deal with MLS expires at the end of 2026. By securing ESPN before this date, MLS could potentially have both networks as partners, providing a robust presence across traditional television and streaming platforms. Historically, this collaboration has worked for both leagues, as seen during the 2015-2022 deal.

5. Competing Against USL’s Division One

The United Soccer Leagues (USL) has announced plans to launch a Division One, set to debut in 2027 or 2028. This new entry into the North American soccer landscape poses a threat to MLS as the dominant men’s domestic club competition. Gaining ESPN’s support could solidify MLS’s position as the premier league, thereby countering the USL’s threat. ESPN viewers already have access to USL broadcasts, making MLS the more compelling choice for a top-tier league.

6. ESPN’s Existing Canadian Presence

While ESPN doesn’t air MLS matches on its American channels since 2022, it remains involved in the Canadian market. ESPN owns a stake in TSN and RDS, which broadcast 41 regular-season MLS matches with a focus on Canada’s three MLS teams, as well as select Leagues Cup and MLS Cup Playoff games. This existing partnership could serve as a strong foundation for expanding coverage into the American market.

Conclusion

The recent breakup between ESPN and MLB presents a significant opportunity for the MLS to secure a new broadcasting deal. A renewed partnership could bolster MLS’s summer lineup, reduce production costs, align with strategic growth plans, and strengthen its position against emerging competition. With the right strategies and leveraging ESPN’s resources, MLS could usher in a new era of growth and success.

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