YouTube TV has sealed the exclusive rights to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) matches in the MLS, according to Variety.
The deal marks the first time a streaming service has made such a deal with a US pro sports team.
“When we talk about innovation, it goes beyond a traditional distribution deal and really looking at programming for LAFC fans both on and off the field,” said Angela Courtin, global head of marketing at YouTube TV and YouTube Originals. “We think it’s going to be ground-breaking.”
YouTube TV will air every LAFC MLS game throughout the upcoming season. However, approximately half are televised nationally by ESPN and Fox Sports – both of which are carried by YouTube TV.
Variety said around 18 LAFC games will be exclusive to YouTube TV’s own channel, which will be restricted to its subscribers in the Los Angeles market.