Apple’s senior vice president of services, Mr. Eddy Cue, called on MLS clubs to “open their wallets” and bring in more top players after witnessing Messi’s huge impact on the tournament.

“American technology giant” Apple signed a historic agreement with MLS about a year before Messi arrived in the tournament, with a total value of up to 2.5 billion USD within 10 years. Each year, this giant technology company pays the MLS about 250 million USD, which is then distributed to 29 clubs.

Messi has changed the game in MLS

AFP

From this agreement, Inter Miami Club made a spectacular breakthrough bringing Messi, then Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to the MLS tournament. Before the 2024 season, Luis Suarez joined. These top names have helped MLS skyrocket in revenue, as well as in many other areas.

Apple has launched the MLS Season Pass program in the Apple TV app, immediately changing the game against other leading technology competitors with its live broadcast service.

Messi has helped Apple TV increase its subscriptions tremendously. In just the first game (July 2023), there were 110,000 new subscribers. Apple has not yet announced the specific number of subscribers for the 2023 season and the beginning of the 2024 season on the MLS Season Pass program. But according to Sports Business Journal (USA) magazine, that number has reached more than 2 million subscribers.

“I’m really happy because Messi’s influence has helped not only Inter Miami, but also the MLS grow in all aspects. I’m sure, other clubs will also try their best, and they will look at what What Inter Miami has done to continue to improve its ability to create competition. If anyone asked me what I want from now on, I would say that MLS clubs should spend more money to sign contracts with more star players!”, Mr. Eddy Cue said, after watching Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on February 22, opening the 2024 MLS season.

The excitement of Mr. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services

AFP

However, in order for MLS clubs to spend heavily on big stars, this upcoming tournament needs to change the transfer rules. For a long time, most clubs in the US have only attracted young players at low cost from South America.

“I can assure you that MLS will adjust its rules to make that possible (buying top stars). We are looking strategically at spending.” We will do whatever we need to do to increase the fan base, increase the competitiveness of the league and increase revenue, and ultimately increase the impact of MLS globally.” , Mr. Don Garber, Executive Commissioner of MLS, emphasized in an interview after the match between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake on February 22.

Mr. Don Garber, MLS Executive Commissioner

AFP

Also according to Mr. Eddy Cue: “I’m really shocked. I don’t think that Messi’s presence has increased the number of subscribers so much. To get specific statistics, I think it will take a lot of time, including including subscription costs from users. I can only say that Messi has helped attract audiences to watch the MLS tournament on the Apple TV app in more than 100 countries around the world , including the majority of subscriptions from the region. Europe and South America, besides the US and Canada, are our two main markets.”