Here’s how Apple TV could stop MLS’ beef with the U.S. Open Cup

Hey soccer loving Apple TV, could you please stand up?

We're talking about a player who teamed up with Major League Soccer in an arms race to bring Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer.Honestly the best player in the world I wasn't ready to sell my soul to the Saudi-backed millions (billions?)But he didn't come to Inter Miami for free either.

The deal brings renewed interest in the league to not only casual fans, but also hardcore fans who sign up for streaming services (which MLS refers to as “niche viewers”), as well as an all-new tournament, MLS vs. It also led to the birth of Mexico's draw in the League Cup had been a success before Messi's arrival, but exploded as he led Inter to their first title.

That's all well and good, but soccer tournaments have been held in the United States for over 100 years and never have they achieved this level of notoriety.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, which brings together the best amateur and professional clubs in a winner-take-all tournament, has been held since 1913, but finding a consistent and accessible venue remains difficult. It Is difficult. MLS teams join midway through the tournament, after the amateur and lower-division professional clubs' representative teams come out on top.

It is essentially the American version of England's FA Cup, and will be heavily televised in the UK by the BBC and ITV Sport. Here in America, you don't have to search too hard to find a televised FA Cup match, whether you're in California or the Carolinas.

So why doesn't this apply to the U.S. Open Cup? Really income. There's nothing sexy about watching the Pittsburgh Riverhounds play the Portland Timbers.

But it's possible if someone cares enough.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

You know what else wasn't sexy? MLS clubs play mid-tier Liga MX teams, but they were ready during the League Cup if they wanted to. If Apple really wants to claim that it's supporting MLS beyond just the dollars it generates every time it hosts an Inter Miami game, it should join the group seeking broadcast rights to the U.S. Open Cup. .

Are you that crazy? What are we missing? A niche tournament broadcast to a niche fan base. Apple TV could also negotiate to only host MLS matches and offer those matches to their respective markets as an added bonus. You'll get noticed. First by enthusiasts, then by casuals.

MLS has already fought to remove its top clubs from contention and force its lower-level affiliates to compete for the title. This is a crime because it is a death sentence for open cups. I will say that people don't see a lower level player from a top level club challenging a lower level club. We know that and shame on MLS for passing on the fact that they don't know that.

Apple TV could easily become a middleman in this situation and consider bringing in Open Cup. They probably won't, but the potential if they do is to establish themselves as an authority on American professional soccer, not just as a vessel for a tournament conceived within the MLS boardroom. I want you to imagine.Not all streaming services are available to the public

Or do both. It's still a win-win.