Sportsmoney

What Messi’s MLS, Apple, Adidas deal means for everyone

The moment seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi announced he would head to the U.S. to begin his MLS career, the “Messi effect” immediately took hold. Inter Miami CF’s social media following exploded, ticket prices skyrocketed and upcoming fixtures sold out. And all before he even signed a contract.

As the league and club went to work on the specifics of Messi joining Inter Miami following the expiration of his PSG contract on June 30, questions emerged about how one goes about formulating a deal compensating for such influence. Would just offering money be enough to woo a player who ranked second in 2023 on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes at $130 million?

What else can you bring to the table? Miami and MLS’ answer appears to be to bring league partners into the mix.

The deal, unique in its structure, raises interesting questions about revenue splits for superstar athletes and the cascading impact on media rights negotiations.

According to Sportico, Messi’s 2½-year deal with Inter Miami is “worth up to $150 million total from his salary, signing bonus, and equity in the team.” Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle that the option for part-ownership of Inter Miami will not be subsidized as it was in 2007 for David Beckham, who could purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.

But that’s not all. In addition, revenue-sharing agreements with Adidas, Apple and others were being negotiated. Here are some key questions and answers about Messi’s “unprecedented” MLS deal and what it means for everyone else.

Contract talk is usually boring talk unless you have a 36-year-old Argentine soccer legend attached to it. And this one does.

While the multimillion-dollar salary side of the contract is stale news in modern soccer, the revenue-sharing agreements with league partners offer something new. One industry expert called the Apple part of the deal “unprecedented.” Another termed it “unusual.”

“That deal has never been given to anybody in baseball, basketball, football, and so it’s very unique,” said Irwin Kishner, co-chair of the Sports Law Group. “It’s a generational-type thing, and it’s hard to think if you would ever see anything comparable.”

ESPN confirmed that part of the ongoing discussion is a cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service. The subscription service on Apple TV+ was launched earlier this year when Apple and MLS kicked off their $2.5 billion decade-long media rights partnership.

“I do think in a significant way that what the [Messi] deal’s about is customer acquisition,” said John Kosner, president of Kosner Media, a digital media and sports consultancy. “Customer acquisition is perhaps the biggest issue in sports and sports media these days.”

Apple currently holds exclusive, worldwide rights for every MLS game, and the season pass also features both an English and Spanish broadcast crew. “This [Messi’s arrival] is the sort of thing that will get them noticed and expand their international reach,” said Ed Desser, president of Desser Media Inc. “That is the kind of thing that’s particularly interesting for a global company like Apple.”

A similar profit split — reminiscent of the Nike-Michael Jordan deal over Air Jordan — is said to be in discussion with Adidas, the official supplier of the league and a longtime sponsor of the player himself. What cut of those increases, if any, Messi gets is yet unknown. Any agreement between Messi and Adidas would strictly be between the player and the company and wouldn’t directly involve MLS, ESPN confirmed in earlier reports.

Ernesto Bruce, CEO of For Soccer and former senior director of soccer for Adidas, likened this deal to an “evolution” of what Beckham’s contract was when he signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007. “David Beckham was a big catalyst when he came over,” he said. “He had a deal with Major League Soccer, he had a deal with LA Galaxy, and he also happened to have a partnership with Adidas while I was there. That was a revolutionary moment because part of that deal had a future ownership stake in an undisclosed MLS team.”

That MLS team wound up being Inter Miami, where Beckham is co-owner alongside brothers Jorge and Jose Mas. Now, Bruce compares Messi’s contract and presence in MLS to an “accelerator.”

What does this deal mean for other star athletes’ contracts in the future?
MLS, a fairly young and innovative league, and Messi, one of the sporting greats, are uniquely positioned assets in their own way as parties to a deal of this scope. At the upper echelons of sporting legend, only a few command the same influence as the man from Rosario.

In the NBA, one could argue, what about Steph Curry? LeBron James? Would Messi’s potential revenue-sharing agreement inspire something similar for them?

“That is really going to set some alarm bells off,” a former NBA agent said. “For the right players and the right player agents, if they have individuals who can really move the needles — so the Giannis Antetokounmpos of the world, the Nikola Jokics of the world, the Joel Embiids of the world, they are going to look at this in the next collective bargaining and say, ‘Listen, players control the league,'” he said.

But even with the NBA stars’ power, it might not be enough to match Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini. “I don’t think they have that level of power like Messi,” Kishner said. “There is global reach, but not nearly what a Messi has.”

Much like on the pitch, Messi is in a league of his own at the negotiating table, his influence matched by only an ultra-elite few. The Argentine boasts Instagram’s third-highest following — 478 million — behind only the social network itself and fellow soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 596 million followers.

However, there might be other ways to creatively approach such negotiations. “What I’ve learned in all my years in licensing, there is a thing called ‘slicensing’ — because you can slice the pie up,” said Cara Lustik, a branding and licensing expert.

Lustik explained that while not every athlete can match Messi’s scope of influence in securing revenue-sharing agreements, slicing the subscription model into smaller segments in specific regions could favor other athletes. “There are so many leagues that could use extra eyeballs, and to do that, the easiest way is to take advantage of the talent who has them, and everybody wins,” she said.

Another league that might take notice? The NWSL, Bruce said. “The U.S. leads soccer in the women’s game,” he said. “And so how does NWSL adapt to this?”

What about Apple, MLS and a sign of the future of live sports programming?
The streaming giants want a bite of live sports programming and in recent years, they’ve chomped down. Amazon’s Prime Video has NFL’s “Thursday Night Football.” Apple TV+ is in a partnership with Major League Baseball to stream games. Google’s YouTube TV is now home to NFL Sunday Ticket, and you can add MLS’ Apple TV+ deal to the growing list.

Research by Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company, showed that “annual sports OTT subscription revenue in the United States was $13.1 billion in 2022 and will almost double to approximately $22.6 billion in 2027.”

Eric Sorensen, a senior contributing analyst at Parks Associates, attributed this shift to the pandemic and the need for a more immersive experience for the sports fan. “Sports online, on streaming services, are much more engaging from interactive feature sets, from the chance and the ability to potentially place bets and wagers, the stats and data and integration that’s coming into the screen,” he said.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for traditional broadcasters. Kosner, a former ESPN executive vice president, emphasized that technology companies are not media companies first. “I think we’re going to see a bifurcation of different rights really based upon the interests and priorities of these bidders, including traditional companies and also just the viewing habits of sports fans,” he said.

The choices available and competition for live sports programming perfectly set the stage just as the NBA’s $2.66 billion-a-year deal with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery expires after the 2024-25 season.

“I don’t think that the NBA could have planned it much better,” said Desser, who was the former chief negotiator for all the NBA and WNBA national media agreements. “The combination of various parties trying things out for the first time and seeing what could happen will accrue to the NBA’s benefit.”

Sportsmoney

How Club Strategies Are Redefining Global Football

In today’s football landscape, success isn’t just defined by trophies—it’s also about strategic planning, smart investments, and long-term sustainability. Clubs around the world are evolving their models to stay competitive both on the pitch and in the global sports market.

Premier League’s Strategic Shift

English football remains a global powerhouse. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham are not only competing for titles but also building global brands. Massive investments in star players, state-of-the-art facilities, and fan engagement campaigns reflect a deep commitment to both performance and commercial growth.

But with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations getting stricter, these clubs are now rethinking their approach. The focus is shifting from simply spending big to recruiting smart, investing in youth academies, and using data analytics to gain a competitive edge.

Underdogs with Strong Identity

Smaller clubs across Europe are proving that success can come from authenticity and consistency. Athletic Bilbao, for example, only fields players from the Basque region yet consistently competes in La Liga and Europe. Similarly, Bodo/Glimt and Djurgarden emphasize local development, tactical discipline, and loyal fan support.

These clubs show that staying true to a clear identity and long-term vision can challenge even the biggest names in football.

Private Equity and the Power Game

The role of private equity is also growing fast. Investment firms like Bruin Capital and TJC have merged several football agencies into a new entity—As1—worth $310 million and representing over 300 players.

This signals a new era where football isn’t just driven by passion but also by high-level financial strategy. Agencies, clubs, and investors are now part of a bigger ecosystem that shapes player careers, sponsorships, and even fan experiences.

What the Future Holds

The game is changing—and clubs that adapt will lead. Future success will rely on:
Developing homegrown talent
Balancing books with ambition
Building a strong community around the club
Leveraging technology and data
In this era, winning isn’t just about scoring more—it’s about thinking smarter.

Sportsmoney

REVEALED! 10 Highest Paid Footballers In 2024: Mbappe Drops Down, Messi Missing

Footballers have seen their wages skyrocket over the last few decades and a lot of clubs are willing to offer eye-watering contracts to big-name players.

While the Premier League and La Liga used to be the biggest spenders in terms of player wages, the Saudi Pro League have flexed their financial muscles in the last two years.

Note: All figures mentioned are before tax and don’t include any sponsorship and endorsement deals.

10. Kevin De Bruyne – £400,000-per-week
De Bruyne has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Manchester City and is earning £400,000-per-week, making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

But his contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and the 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, which would move him further up this list.

“At my age you have to be open to everything,” De Bruyne said. “You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.

“If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. Before that I had to play football for 15 years. I may not even reach that amount yet.”

9. Ivan Toney – £407,708-per-week
One of seven Saudi Pro League players on the list, Toney left Brentford in the summer and completed a £40million move to Al-Ahli.

The 28-year-old striker got a substantial pay rise, going from just £20,000-per-week in England to £407,708-per-week in Saudi Arabia.

His contract makes him the highest-paid English player in the world, ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

He can also earn an additional £101,168-per-week in bonuses, taking his potential salary to £508,875-per-week.

8. Kylian Mbappe – £499,446-per-week
Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and immediately became the highest-paid player at the Bernabeu.

But he actually took a pay cut to secure his dream move, going from £1.15million-per-week in France to £499,446-per-week in Spain.

The France international does have a number of performance-related bonuses in his contract and can earn an additional £646,003-per-week.

His base salary will see him earn £25.9million-per-year and if he triggers all of his bonuses it’ll reach £59.6million-per-year.

7. Robert Lewandowski – £532,689-per-week
The highest-paid player in Europe’s top five leagues, Lewandowski joined Barcelona in 2022 and his contract was signed in a way which would see his salary increase year-on-year.

After earning £332,911-per-week in 2022/23 and £432,800-per-week in 2023/24, the striker is now being paid £532,689-per-week but he was willing to take a pay cut.

“He’s a player committed to the club and I can assure you of that,” Barcelona president Joan Laporta said.

“When he heard that we had to make some efforts to reach the Fair Play to register players, he told us he could lower his contract in order to help the club.”

“I really appreciate it, but I told him it wasn’t necessary. He’s very committed to the club and he’s also demanding with the team, with himself and with his teammates. We’ve gotten a good performance out of him and I’m sure that this will be Lewandowski’s best year.”

Robert Lewandowski has made a decision on his Barcelona future

6. Kalidou Koulibaly – £554,585-per-week
After spending the 2022/23 season at Chelsea, Koulibaly left Stamford Bridge and signed a three-year contract at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

The centre-back is pocketing a reported £554,585-a-week in Saudi Arabia, making him the highest-paid defender in the world.

“I can’t deny it,” he said when asked about the money. “I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins, and support the activities of my Capitaine du Coeur association in Senegal.

“We started building a clinic in my parents’ village. I have many projects to help young people. I don’t like being on the bench doing nothing. I prefer to go where I am really wanted.”

5. Sadio Mane – £639,291-per-week
One of two Al-Nassr players on this list, Mane joined the Saudi Pro League side in the summer of 2023 after leaving Bayern Munich.

He signed a three-year contract and nearly doubled his salary, going from £351,610-per-week in Germany to £639,291-per-week in Saudi Arabia.

But the Senegal international hasn’t forgotten his roots and has reportedly put an estimated £1million into funding new schools and hospitals in Bambali.

4. Riyad Mahrez – £834,275-per-week
Mahrez won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup with Manchester City in the 2022/23 season before completing a £30million move to Al-Ahli.

“I was offered four years in Saudi Arabia, in a Muslim country where I can definitely protect (and provide for) my family,” he said. “There was also a new challenge, and a new project. So, I decided to leave, it wasn’t a big deal.”

The Algeria international is now earning £834,275-per-week and £43.38million-per-year, making him Africa’s highest-paid footballer.

3= Karim Benzema – £1.59m-per-week
After enjoying 14 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, Benzema decided to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

He was already on a lucrative £383,574-per-week contract in Madrid but the Saudi Pro League side took it to a whole new level.

The 36-year-old striker now earns £1.59million-per-week in the Middle East and is the joint-second highest-paid footballer in the world.

3= Neymar – £1.59m-per-week
Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and joined Al Hilal in a deal worth an initial £77.6million and another £8.4million in add-ons, making him the most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history.

Alongside the transfer fee, Al Hilal also shelled out a significant pay packet as they are giving him a reported £1.59million-per-week.

The Brazil international was paid a total of £82.6million during his first year at the club but made just five appearances in 2023/24 after sustaining an ACL injury.

His contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season and has recently been linked with both Santos and Inter Miami.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £3.19m-per-week
After joining Al Nassr on a free transfer in January 2023, Ronaldo regained his status as the highest-paid footballer in the world.

He put pen to paper a two-and-a-half-year contract worth in the region of £3.19million-per-week. That works out to an astonishing £12.76million-per-month and £165.8million-per-year.

“I came to win, to improve the league,” Ronaldo said when asked about his decision. “I want to leave a legacy. That’s what I want.

“They say I’m finished, that I’m only here for the money… but I still feel the passion. They don’t believe it, but I’m here to win.”

The 39-year-old striker has now scored over 75 goals for the club and helped them win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.

Sportsmoney

Jurgen Klopp’s Massive Net Worth, Million-Pound Spanish Mansion And Relationship With Wife

Jurgen Klopp has made a surprising return to football just months after his tearful goodbye from Liverpool. The German concluded his nine-year tenure at Anfield at the close of last season, passing the baton to Arne Slot.

His exit was met with heartfelt tributes from Reds supporters worldwide, who expressed their gratitude for his remarkable accomplishments in Merseyside, notably triumphs in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Despite declaring that he would be taking a well-deserved break after leaving Liverpool, it took only four months for the 57-year- old to embark on his first new venture post-Anfield.

Express Sport provides an in-depth exploration of Klopp’s latest position in football, as well as his life within and beyond the sport where he has left an unforgettable imprint.

The German was unveiled as Red Bull’s new ‘Global Head of Soccer’ on Wednesday, signalling his comeback to football following his departure from Liverpool last summer. Although this new role deviates from his typical managerial responsibilities, he will undoubtedly have quite the job on his hands when he begins his new role on January 1st, reports the Mirror.

Klopp will supervise Red Bull’s network of clubs including Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, RB Leipzig and Red Bull Bragantino. While he won’t be engaged in the daily operations of individual clubs, his role will involve providing support to sporting directors to utilise his extensive footballing network to assist in scouting the sport’s top talent. He will also contribute to the training and development of coaches.

Immense net worth
Klopp boasts an impressive financial standing. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at a staggering £41.8million ($50million), placing him among the elite of the world’s highest-earning football managers.

Reports from Sport published that Klopp’s annual earnings at Anfield hit the £18.5m mark. Beyond his substantial managerial salary, Klopp has secured several high-value endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, and previously Puma.

Currently, he represents Adidas as an ambassador, frequently showcasing their gear on his Instagram profile.