At this point, everyone is well aware of the restrictive broadcast deal between MLS and Apple, which keeps the majority of the league’s games on the Apple TV+ app, requiring an MLS Season Pass subscription for most broadcasts. Apart from the 32 games aired by Fox Sports on Fox and FS1 each season, MLS’s exposure on linear television is extremely limited. However, some teams are attempting to circumvent these restrictions by re-airing their games on traditional television. According to an announcement from FC Dallas, the team has agreed to show full matches on tape delay via local TV channel KDFI, becoming the second MLS club to do so, following Charlotte FC’s similar deal back in March.
Under this agreement, matches will air with a two- or three-day delay. While Apple retains exclusive live rights to all MLS matches, teams are allowed to establish tape-delay deals with local broadcasters as long as games are shown at least 48 hours after they have taken place. This arrangement can provide local MLS teams with essential exposure on linear television, a point of contention among critics of the league’s Apple deal for making MLS less visible. One MLS executive even remarked last month that the league should “end the deal with Apple” to secure more traditional television exposure.
While tape-delay deals may not be ideal for diehard fans who follow every match, they can serve as an entry point for casual viewers who might stumble upon their local team’s broadcast. The timing of this tape delay also aligns for greater exposure, as MLS teams typically play most fixtures on Saturday evenings, a weak time for television viewing. A 48-hour delay means these matches would air on Tuesday nights, a much stronger slot for attracting viewers.
“We’re thrilled to expand our reach through this exciting collaboration with KDFI More 27,” FC Dallas Vice President of Broadcasting Gina Miller stated in the announcement. “FC Dallas Rewind is another great way for fans across North Texas to connect with our team and experience every moment of the 2025 MLS season.” Expect more MLS teams to pursue similar deals to enhance their exposure on traditional platforms.
