MLS NEXT Pro has revealed a worldwide partnership with OneFootball to stream the entire 2026 season, including regular-season games, Playoffs, and the MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Starting Friday, February 27, all matches will be available live and free to watch for OneFootball’s global audience. The 2026 campaign also marks MLS NEXT Pro’s fifth season, with Inter Miami CF II kicking off its sixth season by hosting Chicago Fire FC II at Inter Miami CF Stadium that same day at 7 p.m. ET.
Extensive Digital Reach Through OneFootball Platforms and Social Media
Fans will be able to watch matches, highlights, and additional behind-the-scenes content across multiple formats including video and text through MLS NEXT Pro’s official presence on OneFootball. This content will be accessible across the OneFootball App and website, Connected TV app, OneFootball Video Player network, and various social media channels. OneFootball boasts over 200 million active monthly users worldwide, complemented by 34 million followers across its social platforms, which will significantly amplify MLS NEXT Pro’s exposure.
Leadership Insights on the Partnership and Its Vision
Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro and EVP of MLS Sporting Development, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the shared dedication to expanding soccer’s reach and engaging fans globally. Curtis stated,
“As MLS NEXT Pro enters its fifth season, we are excited to partner with OneFootball. We look forward to advancing our shared mission of growing the game of soccer and expanding its reach to fans everywhere.”
Maurits Schön, Chief Operating Officer at OneFootball, emphasized the league’s role in developing future stars and the importance of showcasing that journey to fans worldwide. He remarked,
“MLS NEXT Pro is where the next generation of American football/soccer players is being shaped, and we’re excited to make that journey visible to fans everywhere.”
Building on Existing Collaborations to Broaden Soccer’s Footprint
This partnership expands on OneFootball’s October 2024 agreement with Major League Soccer, furthering its commitment to delivering compelling football content in the U.S. and globally. Alongside streaming through OneFootball, MLS NEXT Pro matches will also be broadcast live and free on the league’s official website, MLSNEXTPro.com. Notably, the 2026 season will be the first time since the league’s inception in 2022 that all matches are available via the official site.
Ali Curtis added,
“At the core of MLS NEXT Pro is our commitment to growing the sport and to increasing access to the beautiful game. By offering our matches on multiple platforms, it was important to us that fans around the world are able to watch the stars of today and tomorrow competing against each other every week.”
MLS NEXT Pro’s Growth and Future Prospects
Founded in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league operating in the United States and Canada. It bridges the development pipeline from MLS NEXT youth programs to MLS first teams. The league has steadily expanded, fostering soccer’s growth through innovation and inclusivity, reaching communities both on and off the field. The 2026 season will feature 30 teams, including 27 MLS-affiliated clubs and three independent teams: Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC, and Connecticut United FC.
Additional clubs are scheduled to join in upcoming years, with notable new entrants such as Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, AC Grand Rapids, and The Island F.C. These expansions will further strengthen the league’s presence across North America and provide more opportunities for player development.
OneFootball’s Role as a Leading Soccer Media Platform
Founded in 2008, OneFootball has become a premier digital football media platform tailored for mobile-first audiences. It reaches over 200 million users each month through its owned platforms and extensive global video distribution network. OneFootball offers fans easy access to breaking news, highlights, live streams, and more. It collaborates with over 200 clubs, leagues, federations, players, and broadcasters, distributing content in 194 countries through its app, website, and partnerships with around 250 premium publishers.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Engagement for Soccer Fans Worldwide
The MLS NEXT Pro and OneFootball partnership is expected to significantly raise the profile of the league, its players, and clubs, making the sport more accessible to a wider audience. By combining MLS NEXT Pro’s focus on development and community with OneFootball’s digital reach, the collaboration aims to grow soccer’s popularity both in North America and across the globe. Soccer fans will be able to experience every development on the pathway from emerging talent to professional star, increasing engagement with the sport’s future generation.
