October 1 – The MLS is taking an ownership position in mobile streaming platform OneFootball in a deal that will give OneFootball access to MLS highlights.
OneFootball will distribute MLS content via its app, website, and Connected TV platforms. The content covers hundreds of MLS matches, MLS NEXT Pro matches, and MLS NEXT matches per season.
OneFootball said the partnership will also leverage its video player network, which includes the newly announced co-branded content hub with Yahoo! Sports.
The two parties said they were unable to comment on the specific financials of the partnership, other than that MLS will become an official shareholder and will join OneFootball’s Club Advisory Board.
Until now the advisory board has been made up predominantly by clubs, who are also shareholders, and includes Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Olympique de Marseille, Liverpool, Juventus FC, and the German Football Federation (DFB).
The MLS is the first league to join the advisory board.
Patrick Fischer, OneFootball’s CEO, said he has spoken positively to shareholders about the MLS’s arrival on what is primarily a European board.
“They are all very excited and happy to welcome the MLS to the Club Advisory Board as this will continue to help grow football in the US and US football internationally,” said Fischer.
Founded in 2008, OneFootball partners with more than 200 clubs, leagues, federations, players, and broadcasters across 194 markets and with a global video distribution network that includes about 250 premium publisher partners.
That network will increase the exposure of the MLS across multiple international markets and to an ‘upwardly’ mobile tech-led fan demographic.
“As MLS continues to grow its relevance on a global scale, we are excited to work with OneFootball to provide fans around the world access to the amazing action in MLS each week,” said Seth Bacon, MLS Executive Vice President of Media.
“This collaboration provides an excellent platform to help further showcase all the momentum behind MLS to a young, tech-savvy, global audience and to further our mission of elevating the profile of MLS, and we look forward to working together with OneFootball to deliver compelling and engaging content to fans worldwide.”
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