Apple will stream MLS for 10 years
Apple’s foray into live sports took a big step forward Tuesday. Apple and Major League Soccer announced a 10-year partnership on a streaming service that will allow fans to watch every game without local blackouts or restrictions. The service will be available exclusively through the Apple TV app beginning next year.
The deal is Apple’s second venture into streaming professional sports. In April, it began airing “Friday Night Baseball,” an exclusive weekly doubleheader of Major League Baseball games.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Apple is not paying a rights fee but rather a minimum guarantee against revenues that will be generated with both selling subscriptions. People with knowledge of the deal told The AP that the minimum guarantee is worth $250 million per year. Garber is hoping the league can reach a deal with a broadcast partner.
♦ Jordan Morris scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time to give the U.S. a 1-1 draw at El Salvador in a CONCACAF Nations Cup match.
♦ Joel Campbell scored in the third minute to lead Costa Rica past New Zealand 1-0 in Al Rayyan, Qatar, to earn the final spot in the World Cup field. Costa Rica is in Group E with 2010 champ Spain, 2014 champ Germany and Japan.
Wolves advance to Calder Cup Finals
The Wolves advanced to the Calder Cup Finals with a 3-0 victory against the Stockton Heat in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals at Allstate Arena. The Wolves won the series 4-2 and advance to play either the Springfield Thunderbirds or the Laval Rocket. Game 1 is Sunday at Allstate Arena. Ivan Lodnia, Andrew Poturalski and Josh Leivo scored for the Wolves, while rookie Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 28 shots to earn his first shutout.
♦ The Golden Knights hired Bruce Cassidy, fired June 6 as coach of the Bruins, to be their new coach. Cassidy becomes the team’s third coach and replaces Peter DeBoer, who was fired after Vegas missed the playoffs for the first time in its five-year history.
BASEBALL
Mikolas loses no-hitter with two outs in 9th
Miles Mikolas was one strike from a no-hitter when he gave up a double to Cal Mitchell with two outs in the ninth inning in the Cardinals’ 9-1 victory against the visiting Pirates in Game 2 of a doubleheader. The Cards won 3-1 in Game 1.
♦ The Braves hit five home runs in their 10-4 victory against the host Nationals for their 13th consecutive victory.
♦ Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu will miss the rest of the season because of ligament damage in his left elbow.