EA Sports has joined forces with Major League Soccer to offer four live matches for free through EA Sports FC Mobile via the in-game FCM TV portal. These matches will coincide with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and players who tune in will earn in-game currency along with a complimentary one-month trial of MLS Season Pass.
The first two matches are scheduled for May, followed by another two in September. The opening match features LA Galaxy taking on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 PM ET. Players are encouraged to engage in the matches within the game prior to the live event, allowing them to pit the two teams against each other and speculate on the outcome, all while earning rewards just by watching.
The second match will occur on May 17, showcasing Atlanta United FC versus the Philadelphia Union at the same time of 7:30 PM ET. Details about the specific teams and dates for the games in September will be announced later this year.
In 2023, Apple secured a 10-year agreement with MLS, but viewership has fallen short of expectations, even behind newer sports like pickleball. MLS aims to change this trend. “Our partnership with EA SPORTS and Apple TV highlights MLS’s commitment to innovation and enhancing fan experiences,” remarked Camilo Durana, Executive VP at Major League Soccer. “By providing access to select live MLS Season Pass matches through EA SPORTS FC Mobile, we’re targeting new, digitally savvy audiences globally, expanding how we connect with our fans.”
EA Sports FC, along with Apex Legends, were pivotal factors in EA’s recent large-scale layoffs. To address concerns about performance, EA has launched the inaugural paid season pass for EA Sports FC, which includes new cosmetics, in-game currency, and more.
