Major League Soccer is making a jump from the top rope this season as it officially moves its MLS Season Pass studio from Manhattan to the Studios at WWE in Stamford, Connecticut. Yes, to WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment whose broadcast center is located on the campus of WWE’s global headquarters.
The move is made by MLS Productions, the league’s media and broadcast production arm, which today announced an expanded partnership with IMG, one of the leading sports production companies.
In the announcement, MLS mentions: “The brand new dedicated facility features best-in-class production offerings and new cutting-edge technology to further elevate MLS Season Pass production.
“The new MLS Season Pass location will allow MLS Productions to add programming throughout the new season.”
The Studios at WWE is a 30,000-square-foot production facility equipped with five state-of-the-art studios including a virtual production stage.
A new chapter for MLS Season Pass studios
One of the most impressive images in the MLS Season Pass is the giant studio used as a set for MLS 360 whip around show. The aesthetic draws the viewer into the broadcast with host Kevin Egan and analysts Sacha Kljestan, Kaylyn Kyle and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Hopefully the new studio will be as visually stunning as the one previously used in Manhattan.
Egan will be no stranger to WWE. He was previously a staple of its RAW broadcasts where he used his stage name, Kevin Patrick.
“We believe WWE’s new state-of-the-art facilities will help [MLS’] collective capabilities to even greater heights,” said Lee Fitting, EVP, Media & Production, WWE.
Major League Soccer’s move to Stamford is part of a new multi-year partnership between MLS and IMG in which IMG will continue to produce live match and studio productions and programming for more than 600 annual games on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The WWE facility is part of TKO Group Holdings, which recently reached an agreement with Endeavor to acquire IMG, in a transaction expected to close in the first half of 2025.
“Together with MLS and Apple and their other partners, we’ve set a new standard for the MLS viewing experience and created a new era of entertaining, highly engaging content for soccer fans globally,” said Barney Francis, EVP, Studios, IMG. “In the coming years, we will take this to the next level with cutting-edge technology and creativity, powered by our incredible new home, Studios at WWE, and IMG’s industry-leading production experience and capabilities.”
MLS is gearing up for its 30th season
If you are not familiar with IMG, you will know their work. IMG produces content for some of the world’s biggest leagues and events, including the Premier League, English Football League, Saudi Pro League, CBS’ UEFA Champions League and Europa League coverage, UFC, DP World Tour, The Ryder Cup and The Open Championship.
Meanwhile, Stamford is quickly becoming the home of soccer studio production in the United States. NBC Sports has broadcast its Premier League studio coverage from the city since 2013. In addition, much of the CBS Sports Golazo Network coverage also originates from Stamford.
As MLS celebrates its 30th consecutive season this year, all eyes will be on the MLS Season Pass in February to see the start of the new season. Between now and then, we expect more announcements from MLS and Apple TV about their coverage plans.
The 2025 MLS season kicks off on Saturday, February 22.
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