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 The deal, which begins with the 2015 MLS season in March, follows
an announcement earlier this month that pay-TV group Sky Plc agreed
to pay 4.2 billion pounds ($6.51 billion) to show English Premier
League matches
As part of the deal with MLS, Sky Sports will broadcast at least two
regular season matches per week, the All-Star Game and playoffs. The
UK-based broadcaster will also carry weekly MLS highlights across
its various platforms.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
With the MLS season running from March to December, the North
American league will help fill a soccer void over the British summer
and add another bit of credibility to a league that has long
struggled to be taken seriously.
 "This is another important moment that shows the continued growth of
MLS. I have seen first-hand how popular soccer has become in
America," David Beckham, who brought MLS instant recognition when he
signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, said in a statement.
"Having fantastic partners such as Sky Sports on board will not only
add to the coverage of the game, it will also broaden its appeal
outside of the U.S."
Some familiar names will be on display for English soccer fans with
former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard set
to join MLS for the upcoming season.
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Gerrard will line up alongside former Liverpool teammate Robbie
Keane with the Galaxy while Lampard will join David Villa for the
inaugural season of New York City FC.
MLS is scheduled to open its 20th season on March 6 but faces a
potential work stoppage given an ongoing labor dispute with players
over a new collective bargaining agreement.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Frank Pingue)
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