"MLS 2024: Apple's Plan to Make Americans Love Soccer, Team Previews, and Staff Predictions"

Apple is entering its second year of streaming Major League Soccer matches as part of a $2.5 billion deal, aiming to attract more fans and money to the 28-year-old league. The "MLS Season Pass" offers a sleek streaming package allowing fans to globally stream every game without blackouts for $14.99 per month or $99 for the season. Apple's efforts include glossy studio shows, expanded coverage, and integration of MLS content across its ecosystem of products and services. While actual viewership numbers are undisclosed, the package reportedly surpassed two million subscribers, with a significant surge after soccer superstar Lionel Messi's debut. Despite potentially low viewership, the $250 million yearly cost for Apple is considered a worthwhile investment to pull people into its ecosystem, given soccer's global popularity and the young demographic MLS attracts.