MLS and Long Island-based technology company NeuLion have signed a new multiyear agreement for MLS Live, the subscription-based service providing access to live and archived matches on Internet-connected devices. Terms were not disclosed. NeuLion begins its fourth year with MLS Live as the '13 season begins this weekend. NeuLion co-Founder & Exec VP/Marketplace Strategy Chris Wagner said that subscriptions have doubled each year his company has produced MLS Live, adding that smartphone and tablet development has played a key role. “We’re seeing that smartphones and tablets represent more than 30% of our traffic,” Wagner said. MLS Digital VP Chris Schlosser said the MLS Live service “is a crucial product for us, especially because it’s so popular with the 18-30-year-old demographic.” MLS Live this season is available on Android smartphones and tablets for the first time. Matches will be delivered in HD streaming at 4.5 mbps -- “the highest quality we’ve ever had,” said Wagner -- and also feature key play markers, slow motion viewing, real-time live stats, DVR fan controls and social media integration. “It’s not just streaming matches,” said Wagner. “We know it’s the experience we’ve created with all the data, resources and tools that drives engagement.” MLS Live can be utilized on multiple devices with one login. “The ability to be on MLS Live and them move from a PC to an iPad or iPhone or Roku or any device has come a long way,” Wagner said. “It’s seamless now.”
