Apple has agreed to a landmark deal with MLS in which Apple will exclusively stream every MLS match for 10 years starting in 2023. 

MLS commissioner Don Garber said that the league will receive a base fee and percentage of subscription sales. A source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to Front Office Sports that the deal is worth at least $2.5 billion ($250 million annually).

Apple will stream all MLS and League Cup games, select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next games, and a weekly live-match whip-around show. The league’s goal is to have pregame, in-game, and postgame shows for every match. 

Fans won’t need Apple TV+ for access but will need the Apple TV app. The streaming service’s cost, other programming, and match windows will be unveiled in the coming months.

• Around two matches per week will stream for free on the Apple TV app, the source said.
• Certain games will only be free for Apple TV+ subscribers.
• MLS season ticket-holders will automatically have access to MLS’ streaming service on the Apple TV app.

MLS president Gary Stevenson said the league is having conversations with Apple about broadcasts outside the U.S. and Canada.

Linear Lives

MLS continues to work on a linear TV rights deal and is in discussions with ESPN, Fox, and other outlets, according to the source. Around 2-3 games are expected to be broadcasted per week via linear channels as a simulcast of Apple’s coverage.

Entain has agreed to purchase Amsterdam-based online sports betting operator BetEnt BV in a deal that could reach a total value of $885 million. 

The gambling and sports betting company will acquire BetEnt — which trades under BetCity — from Sports Media Entertainment BV. 

• Entain will pay $312 million up front for BetCity.
• The remaining balance is expected to be paid in early 2023.
• A further contingent payment is due in 2024.
• The acquisition is scheduled to close in H2 2022. 

The purchase of BetCity allows Entain — which has an enterprise value of $12 billion — to tap into an emerging online sports betting market in the Netherlands. The country legalized sports betting in October 2021, with BetCity receiving approval for a gaming license the same month. 

Online gambling market revenue in the Netherlands is expected to reach $52 billion by 2026. 

Entain’s acquisition comes after it offered more than $1 billion for Olympic Entertainment Company. The Estonian entity allows NBA gambling at over 100 casinos and betting halls, as well as online via its platform, OlyBet. 

Formerly known as GVC Holdings, Entain owns major betting brands like BetMGM, PartyPoker, Sportingbet, BetMGM, and Ladbrokes Coral. 

Missed Target

In September 2021, DraftKings made a $22.4 billion cash-and-stock bid to acquire Entain. A month later, the potential merger and offer was pulled by DraftKings. The failed transaction was complicated by Entain’s joint ownership of BetMGM with MGM Resorts.

The Charlotte Hornets’ home is set for a major makeover after the Charlotte City Council voted in favor of a $275 million plan for Spectrum Center renovations and a new practice facility.

As part of the agreement, the Hornets have extended their lease through 2045, paying a total of $32 million in rent over that period. The team will also continue its annual $1.1 million capital fund contribution through the entirety of its lease.

Under the current deal, which expires at the end of the 2029-2030 season, the city is obligated to pay $173 million in renovations. In total, $215 million will be spent on renovations, and the remaining $60 million will go toward the practice facility. 

• The funding for the practice facility will not be paid from tourism taxes, but instead by revenues from naming rights and other opportunities.
• The renovations to Spectrum Center will be paid from rental car and hotel sales taxes, which are legally required to be spent on projects supporting Charlotte’s tourism.

Hornets’ New Nest

Work on the renovations and practice facility, which will be located in a redeveloped transit center across the street from Spectrum Center, could reportedly start as early as this summer. The practice facility is expected to open in 2027.