Last week, Pluto TV hinted that a new channel from Major League Soccer (MLS) was coming to the free ad-supported streaming service. Today, we found out some of the details of that channel. While the channel won’t be airing live games, it will be airing replays of games throughout the season, as well as classics like the 2018 MLS Cup.
In addition to replays, the channel will also air much of the digital programming that MLS streams on their websites and other platforms like YouTube and Twitter.
MLS has been aggressive in embracing digital platforms. Last month, they expanded their partnership with Twitter for additional original content. They already stream the English language telecasts on social platforms for games that air on Univision. They also include their out-of-market package “MLS Live” as part of ESPN’s OTT service ESPN+, and have partnered with FloSports (FC Cincinnati/DC United), YouTube TV (Orlando City, LAFC, Seattle Sounders), and ESPN+ (Chicago Fire) for local telecasts.
It is not surprising to see Pluto TV expand into more sports content. While they already offer Stadium, Big Sky Network, and clips from FS1 — high costs mean sports have been one of the main holdouts from free ad-supported services. One of their competitors, STIRR (owned by Sinclair Media Group) — is expected to dramatically expand their sports offerings after their parent company acquired FOX RSNs for $10.6B.