Univision Deportes To Stream Selection of Live MLS Matches in English Exclusively to Facebook

Intended to capitalize on soccer fans’ passion, the productions will specifically target mobile devices

Major League Soccer and Univision Deportes are teaming up with Facebook to live-stream a collection of regular-season MLS matches this year. The productions — and the work behind them — promise to be noteworthy in that they will be produced specifically for Facebook Live and will be done with a social audience on mobile devices.

fbmlsfeaturedAt least 22 matches that typically air on Univision Networks in Spanish will be made available in the U.S. for live streaming in English on the Univision Deportes Facebook page. Those broadcasts will feature Facebook-specific commentators, interactive graphics, fan Q&A and polls, and opportunities for the viewer to engage directly with the commentators during the match.

The partnership will begin with the streaming of the match between Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on Saturday March 18 at 4 p.m. ET.

“Major League Soccer’s innovative approach to the fan experience has cultivated truly special in-stadium environments, where flag-waving and chant-singing fans come together to passionately support their clubs,” says Dan Reed, head of global sports partnerships, Facebook. “We’re very excited for MLS and Univision Deportes to bring this same innovative, community-first spirit to the Facebook Live broadcasts of league matches this season. Their approach will provide fans with an entirely new way to experience a live soccer broadcast that is optimized for mobile screens and social viewing. So, even if they’re not at the stadium, people can watch the game on Facebook with a great view of the action while interacting with a highly engaged community of fans.”

As part of the effort, MLS has agreed to produce more digital content to drive social engagement around the game schedule. The league will produce 40 exclusive Matchday Live shows on Facebook on MLS game days. These programs, which will be distributed exclusively on MLS’s Facebook page, will feature highlights and analysis from around the league and a preview of the day’s upcoming matches.

“We are committed to serving our passionate fans,” says Gary Stevenson, president/managing director, MLS Business Ventures. “We are working with all of our partners on making sure our games, and additional content, get to our fans anytime, anywhere, and on any device.”

 

Password must contain the following:

A lowercase letter

A capital (uppercase) letter

A number

Minimum 8 characters

;
SVGLogoHR_NOTAG-200

The Latest in Sports Video Production & Technology
in Your Inbox for FREE

Daily Email Newsletters Monday - Friday