MLS Making iPhone TV History, But Can’t Shake Basic Production Hiccups

The announcement that Saturday’s match between LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo will be the first televised sporting event shot entirely with iPhone cameras has sparked both excitement and eye-rolling within the soccer community. For some, it represents a bold step forward in using innovative technology to enhance fan experience. However, for others, it serves as another reminder that Major League Soccer’s production values still trail behind those of its North American sports peers.

This disparity is not new; it has been a persistent issue for MLS since Apple TV acquired global rights to every fixture in the league ahead of the 2023 season. Despite making strides in other areas, such as creating the Sunday Night Soccer package and increasing availability of daytime kickoffs in colder-weather markets, the league’s production team continues to struggle with basic aspects of broadcasting.

One example is the tendency to sanitize controversy. Last weekend’s match between Inter Miami and Portland Timbers provided a stark illustration of this trend. When Lionel Messi made a gesture towards La Familia during a song that voiced their displeasure at perceived disrespect, play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin and color analyst Taylor Twellman failed to accurately capture its significance. Furthermore, they glossed over separate incidents involving other players.

This reluctance to tackle controversy is likely due in part to the unique dynamics of MLS’ production partnership with Apple TV. Since the league itself foots production costs and hires IMG to produce matches and studio content, there may be pressure to present a sanitized product that appeals to a broad audience. While this approach might make for more palatable television, it ultimately undermines the integrity of the broadcast.

The iPhone experiment risks further perpetuating the notion that MLS games are at the vanguard of sports broadcasting technology. In reality, however, they lag behind in many areas, including camera direction, broadcast production, and even basic features like informational graphics. This disconnect between perception and reality is puzzling, especially given Apple TV’s vested interest in showcasing its own technological capabilities.

The implications of these trends are far-reaching. If MLS continues to prioritize gimmicks over genuine innovation, it risks losing credibility with fans who crave a more authentic viewing experience. Moreover, the league’s failure to invest in basic production standards threatens to undermine its long-term growth prospects. In an era where sports broadcasting is increasingly sophisticated and nuanced, MLS’ lack of investment in this area will only exacerbate perceptions that it operates at the fringes of professional sports.

As Saturday’s all-iPhone telecast approaches, fans would do well to temper their expectations with a healthy dose of skepticism. While the stunt may generate buzz, it is unlikely to address the fundamental production issues that plague MLS broadcasts. To truly move forward, the league must commit to investing in its production values, fostering an environment where controversy can be tackled head-on, and prioritizing authenticity above all else.

Ultimately, MLS’ success will depend on a willingness to confront its own shortcomings and evolve as a product. Only by embracing this reality can the league hope to establish itself as a true force in North American sports broadcasting.