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Major League Soccer Will Move Studio Shows to WWE Headquarters in Expanded Deal With IMG

alex weprin
·2-min read

Major League Soccer is moving its studio shows to Connecticut as part of an expanded production deal with IMG.

MLS will produce programming for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and all of its studio shows from WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE, of course, is owned by TKO Group Holdings, which has a deal to acquire IMG set to close in the coming months.

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The American soccer league says that it intends to add new programming to mix with the new production hub. MLS previously produced its programming from a studio space in East Harlem in New York.

WWE built out its “Studios at WWE” infrastructure in its new headquarters, which it moved into last year, with the intention of offering it to other media entities. The professional wrestling giant also produces its own studio programming from the new building.

“The debut of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV has been remarkable for fans around the world to be able to consume all MLS games and content,” said Seth Bacon, executive vp media for MLS. “With the incredible momentum and excitement around the league, we are thrilled to further our partnership with IMG to support our vision of elevating production, creating new viewing opportunities and pushing the sports broadcast landscape into the future.”

“Together with MLS and Apple and their other partners, we have set a new standard for the MLS viewing experience, creating a new era of entertaining, highly engaging content for football fans globally,” added Barney Francis, executive vp studios for IMG. “Over 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.”

Stamford is a significant hub for sports programming outside of the WWE, with NBC Sports and NBC Olympics based in the city, as well as the studios for the New York Yankees’ YES Network. ESPN, of course, is also headquartered in Connecticut, and many employees for the sports media giant live in the area.

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