The premium YouTube TV video service has struck a multi-year deal with Seattle Sounders FC to become the exclusive live streaming provider for the soccer club starting this year. The deal makes Sounders FC the only MLS club to offer a streaming option in combination with traditional over-the-air broadcast games.
The deal, announced today, is the second Major League Soccer deal for the Google-owned streaming service, following an agreement between YouTube TV and the expansion team Los Angeles FC a month ago.
The MLS deals are part of a broader competition among major streaming providers and technology companies, including Amazon, Twitter, Disney and others, to secure rights to live games across a variety of professional sports.
YouTube TV, which offers more than 50 networks for streaming, currently costs $35/month, but those who join the service after March 13 will be charged $40/month. The service will stream all Sounders matches in the upcoming season for viewers in the Seattle region and Spokane, Wash., on a dedicated Sounders FC channel.
Regional over-the-air broadcasts of Sounders matches will continue to be available under a partnership between the team and Q13 Fox and JOEtv, which was recently renewed.
