Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a significant development in its global reach with multiyear broadcasting agreements in South Korea. These partnerships with the streaming platform Coupang Play and sports network SPOTV will enable South Korean fans to watch Los Angeles FC matches. This move is particularly timely, considering LAFC’s recent high-profile signing of South Korea’s national team captain, Son Heung-min, which has generated a surge of interest and excitement among South Korean soccer enthusiasts.
The new agreements sit alongside the existing MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ensuring that every MLS match remains accessible worldwide, with comprehensive coverage including all LAFC games. The league’s effort to expand its viewership internationally is likely further fueled by Son Heung-min’s presence, given his immense popularity following his successful stint with Tottenham Hotspur and a celebrated career that includes leading the South Korean national team.
These broadcasting deals indicate MLS’s commitment to broadening its international fan base and capitalizing on Son’s influence in his home country. Son’s international appeal was notably highlighted when he led Tottenham Hotspur to a historic Europa League victory, an event that resonated deeply with fans in South Korea amid various national challenges. His move to LAFC is seen as a unifying moment, with sports becoming a beacon of positivity and hope.
This development not only underscores MLS’s strategy to leverage high-caliber international talents to grow its global footprint but also highlights the increasing global mobility of players in the soccer market. Such moves are fostering new interest and connections between American soccer and international audiences, marking an exciting chapter in the sport’s evolution and expansion across diverse markets. As MLS continues to grow, these strategic partnerships and player acquisitions signify a promising future for the league on the world stage.
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