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Major League Soccer to stream out-of-market games on ESPN3
In an effort to increase popularity of the league in the US, MLS announced a new broadcasting partnership with ESPN, FOX and Univision. As part of the deal with these TV networks, which will run through 2022, MLS is bringing (some) out-market games to ESPN3. That, of course, includes the WatchESPN applications and the ESPN3 website. For Major League Soccer, this is a huge step, as it previously kept these games tied to one of its subscription services, including MLS Direct Kick and MLS Live. According to ESPN, the agreement is for "more than 200 MLS matches" per season, over the next eight years -- for reference, 323 matches were played during the 2013 season, not taking into account the playoffs.
Apple TV gains Major League Soccer and Disney Junior channels
It seems that Apple's taking its little hobby more seriously with each passing day. Not long after adding a slew of new features to Apple TV, the company has quietly added two additional channels to its growing lineup: Major League Soccer and Disney Junior. For its part, the MLS app lets viewers watch live league matches with a $25-per-season subscription, while the latter offering brings video content for young ones but relies on participating cable providers for access, similarly to the Disney Channel and Disney XD. We should mention the pair of channels appear to be only available in the US, so fret not if some of you don't see these show up on your Apple TV's homescreen.
Major League Soccer, Microsoft team up on Windows 8 app, in-game experiences
If you're a Major League Soccer fan, there's now a Windows 8 app to keep up with North America's version of the beautiful game. The league has teamed up with Microsoft on an exclusive app to bring schedules, standings, video highlights, play-by-play, game stats, cards and substitutions to Windows 8 Pro and RT. You'll also be able to get custom updates on your live tiles to see how your team is doing with a glance at the start screen. MLS and Microsoft said they're also bringing "fan and stadium experiences," like trying out Windows 8 on Microsoft Surface tablet at over 40 games during the season, and alluded to bringing "immersive soccer experiences" to players, coaches and fans down the road. We'll have to see exactly what they mean by that, but meanwhile, you can grab the app at the source.
Adidas miCoach Elite System set to equip all MLS teams in 2013, creates world's first 'smart league'
Today was yet another marvelous day for football buffs everywhere, as Adidas and MLS have announced Major League Soccer will be the first intelligent circuit on the globe. Having already planned an official debut for the German company's Elite System, now the pair's made it known that the wearable technology is going to be expanding well beyond next week's All-Star Game and into the MLS 2013 season. To refresh your mind a bit, the miCoach Elite System tracks an array of instrumental player data, such as speed (even if painfully slow like the Rio Ferdinand of late), acceleration, position, heartbeat and even the intensity of play -- which is then pushed instantly to, you guessed it, a coach's miCoach-equipped iPad. Adidas didn't mention when, or if, the Elite System will be adapted elsewhere, so we'll have to wait and see how long it takes others to join the "smart soccer" fun.
Adidas debuting miCoach tracking technology in this year's MLS All-Star Game (video)
While it's been a few months since Adidas launched those intelligent F50 miCoach cleats, it finally looks as if the German outfit's ready to test the tech on the football pitch. Adidas announced earlier today that its adizeros will be a part of the "world's first smart soccer match," during the MLS All-Star Game on July 25th in Philadelphia. With the help of the miCoach's tracking system, coaches are able to measure a player's speed and acceleration, how much ground was covered, the intensity of play, as well as spotting weaknesses and strengths. Naturally, the end results can then be analyzed on a computer or directly from an application on one of Apple's slates. Adidas says this is only the beginning, as it plans to bring the technology -- detailed in video form just after the break -- to other leagues around the world in the near future.
Microsoft, Xbox 360 sponsor new Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders FC
Those of you who enjoy soccer of the North American variety will begin to see jerseys emblazoned with a very familiar logo (that of the Xbox Live service) when a brand spankin' new Major League Soccer team, the Seattle Sounders FC, makes its debut in the 2009 season. The team (not to be confused with other Sounders franchises in the NASL and USL) recently agreed to a 5-year, $20 million sponsorship from Microsoft and its hot-under-the-hood home console.In addition to fancy new jerseys, the young team's home field will be tiled "The Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field", and the 360 will reportedly be recognized as the "official and exclusive video game console of Major League Soccer." We pray Sony doesn't respond by sponsoring a competing MLS team -- to combine the zealous fanaticism associated with gaming consoles and soccer teams may incite a fanboy war that would tear our continent asunder.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
