In a landmark media rights agreement, Seattle Sounders FC and YouTube TV today announced a multi-year partnership that sees the latter become the official live TV streaming home of the Rave Green. YouTube TV becomes the exclusive streaming destination for all Sounders FC matches, in the first agreement of its kind for Seattle’s Major League Soccer club. Fans can now watch the Rave Green live with YouTube TV on Xbox One, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs and other popular TV streaming platforms, in addition to viewing options on their mobile device, tablet, or computer.
“Seattle is a city of innovation and Sounders FC has always strived to contribute to the creative culture of our hometown, bringing the best and most forward-thinking elements to our fans,” said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Bart Wiley. “With the addition of YouTube TV into our viewing arsenal, Sounders fans now have an exciting and creative option for following their team, complementing our traditional broadcast channels. We’re thrilled to work with YouTube TV as our club’s first official streaming partner, and we look forward to building a strong partnership together.”
Today’s news comes on the heels of Sounders FC’s 2018 over-the-air regional broadcast announcement, with YouTube TV joining a robust lineup of viewing options for Seattle’s dedicated fans. Available to fans in Spokane and throughout Western Washington in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, encapsulating the greater Puget Sound metro area, YouTube TV is set to stream all Sounders FC matches in 2018, including exclusive streaming rights to the club’s 21 regionally televised contests on a dedicated Sounders FC YouTube TV channel. YouTube TV members can also watch Seattle’s 13 nationally televised contests on ESPN, FOX and FOX Sports 1.
“Sounders FC have one of the most passionate fanbases of any team in the MLS and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with them as their official live TV streaming provider,” said Tim Katz, Director of Sports Partnerships for the Americas at YouTube.
YouTube TV launched in April of 2017, providing audiences around the country with a new, flexible way to enjoy their favorite live television programming – including local sports and news – without a cable box. For $35 a month (for current members or new sign ups before March 13), YouTube TV includes over 50 networks.
In addition to being the official live TV streaming home of the Rave Green, YouTube TV offers the following to its members:
- Over 50 networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, plus popular cable networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, ESPN, AMC, and FX, and local sports networks from FOX Sports and NBC Sports in select markets.
- Ability to watch on any screen – mobile, tablet or computer – and easily streamed to TVs with apps built for Xbox One, Roku, Apple TV, Android TVs and Samsung and LG 2016 and 2017 smart TVs; in addition to Chromecast, Chromecast built-in TVs and AirPlay through Apple TV.
- A cloud DVR, with no storage space limits, allowing members throughout the United States to stream recordings on any supported device, wherever and whenever. Additionally, shows can be recorded simultaneously, without using data or mobile space, and programs are stored for nine months.
- Six accounts per household, each with its own unique recommendations and personal DVR with no storage space limits.
Seattle begins its 10th MLS campaign against expansion side Los Angeles FC, who recently announced an agreement of their own with YouTube TV. Prior to the MLS regular season starting on March 4, Sounders FC is set to face Salvadoran club Santa Tecla FC in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League second leg at CenturyLink Field on March 1. The Rave Green need to overturn a 2-1 loss on the road in El Salvador on February 22 to advance in the regional competition. Sounders FC season tickets are still available, including new 2018 seating options in the 300-level, as well single-match tickets for each of Seattle's home matches. For complete information, details and pricing on 2018 Sounders FC season tickets, fans should visit SoundersFC.com/Tickets, call 877-MLS-GOAL or email Sales@SoundersFC.com.
ABOUT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Winner of the 2016 MLS Cup, 2014 MLS Supporters' Shield and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014), Sounders FC is Seattle's Major League Soccer franchise. With an ownership group led by Seattle-based entrepreneur Adrian Hanauer, Hollywood executive Joe Roth, Seattle Seahawks Chairman Paul G. Allen and entertainer Drew Carey, the club received an MLS charter on November 13, 2007 and has qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs in every year of its existence. Sounders FC reached a milestone in 2016, as the franchise claimed its first MLS Cup championship with a road victory over Toronto FC, which was followed up by a second consecutive berth in the league championship in 2017. Since the club's debut MLS season in 2009, Sounders FC has set the standard for soccer support in North America, leading the league in attendance for eight consecutive seasons (2009-2016) and routinely ranking in the top 30 in attendance among all teams internationally and top three within the Americas. Prior to joining MLS, the Seattle Sounders organization has been a part of the greater Seattle community and U.S. Soccer professional scene since 1974.
