Major League Soccer plans changes to Apple broadcasts including reduced Spanish commentary teams

Major League Soccer is planning changes to its production and studio programming for the 2026 season on Apple’s MLS coverage, including fewer Spanish-language two-person commentary teams and the end of the Spanish-language version of MLS 360, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans. The same reporting says MLS expects to retain around seven Spanish-language play-by-play and analyst pairings, with other matches shifting to a single play-by-play announcer. MLS executive vice-president for media Seth Bacon said: “After careful consideration and in response to fan feedback, we are evolving our Spanish-language programming to better reflect how our audience engages with the game.Our Spanish-language coverage will focus on what fans value most in shoulder programming: high-energy, live broadcasts from the stadium that bring them closer to the action through pre- and post-game shows. “As part of this evolution, we are enhancing our on-site Spanish-language presence on matchdays to deliver more authentic, engaging moments straight from our stadiums.” The report also says MLS is planning to scale back parts of its English-language studio output, including changes to the end-of-night wrap-up format, while expanding on-site coverage for selected showcase matches. On production, the same sources said around half of matches could be produced from London via IMG facilities, with commentary teams still travelling to games. Bacon said the intention is for the “look and feel” of broadcasts to remain consistent, with announcers on site and graphics produced in the US.