MLS Live Championship Telecast Now Includes ‘Shot on iPhone’ Footage

Major League Soccer (MLS) is stepping up its game for the championship match by incorporating four iPhone 17 Pro devices into its live telecast. This exciting move will showcase the camera capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro, with the league teaming up with Apple to bring viewers a unique viewing experience during the match between Inter Miami and the Whitecaps.

According to MLS EVP/Media Seth Bacon, this partnership between the league and Apple has been in the works for months, with the goal of highlighting the iPhone’s ability to capture high-quality footage in a live sports setting. This isn’t the first time Apple has dabbled in live sports broadcasting using iPhones, as they previously utilized them during Apple TV+’s “Friday Night Baseball” broadcasts earlier this year.

During the MLS Cup telecast, the four iPhones will join over 30 other cameras to provide fans with an array of angles, including goal robotic cameras, referee cams, isocams on coaches and players, and drone coverage. This diverse camera setup promises to offer viewers an immersive and engaging viewing experience that captures every moment of the action on the field.

One of the most noteworthy uses of the iPhones during the telecast will be as a high-end zone camera, giving viewers a unique perspective of the game. Additionally, footage from the supporters’ section at Chase Stadium will be captured by another iPhone, while roaming camera operators will provide live shots of fan and coach reactions using the remaining two iPhones.

Fans can catch the MLS championship match for free on Apple TV, with linear partners like Fox in the U.S. and TSN and RDS in Canada also carrying the broadcast. And for those in New York, the match will be displayed live in Times Square on Silvercast Media’s massive Mega-Zilla screen, measuring an impressive 330 feet in width and 78 feet in height.

This unique partnership between MLS and Apple not only showcases the innovative potential of technology in sports broadcasting but also provides viewers with a visually captivating and memorable championship experience. So, mark your calendars and tune in to witness this groundbreaking collaboration between MLS and Apple during the championship match!