MLS and Apple sign 'Drive to Survive' creators for new docuseries
Box to Box Films, which also made the tennis series "Break Point" and PGA golf show "Full Swing," will follow the MLS 2024 season, which gets under way in February.
The eight-part series is the latest part of the collaboration between MLS and Apple, which streams every league game via the "MLS Season Pass" product on Apple TV+.
The league is heading into the second year of a 10-year deal with Apple worth a reported $2.5 billion which saw live games and highlights broadcast on the subscription service.
MLS executive vice-president of media Seth Bacon said the docuseries is part of a push to produce more insider content for fans.
"One of our goals in 2024 is to provide more access to our players, coaches, our tems, to really lean into storytelling," he told a news conference.
"(The series) is something that we think is going to bring a whole new look to the sport and new level of access to fans."
Bacon said the timing was perfect for MLS to commit to such a project for Lionel Messi's first full season in the league.
"It is a huge opportunity with the partnership with Apple, Messi joining the league, launching Leagues Cup, the 2026 World Cup happening in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the momentum is there, we can use this as yet another catalyst to attract new fans, to tell them what is happening in the league," he said.
Apple TV has already produced one documentary about Messi's move to Inter Miami, "Messi Meets America", which was released late last year.
Paul Martin co-founder and executive producer at Box to Box, said he believes the show will attract both a US and global audience.
"I think there is a real curiosity about the league and the sport here from the rest of the world and I think our show can help take peopls on to the inside, into the dressing rooms, the aeroplanes as they fly around the country," he said.
The new MLS season begins on February 21 with Messi's Inter Miami hosting Real Salt Lake.