Major League Soccer and Walmart have announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new marquee series that will spotlight one featured match each Saturday throughout the 2026 MLS season. The collaboration underscores a growing connection between major brands and sports entertainment, aiming to create a more consistent and elevated fan experience across platforms.
The series debuts on February 21 with a high-profile matchup between Inter Miami CF and LAFC, taking place at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The match will stream globally on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass offering. Each week, the Saturday Showdown will deliver enhanced production value, pre-match storytelling, and exclusive content designed to highlight star players, key rivalries, and community ties.
Through this partnership, Walmart extends its reach into the sports and lifestyle space, connecting with soccer fans and families across North America. The initiative also reflects Walmart’s broader marketing strategy to align with culturally relevant experiences and expand visibility among younger, diverse demographics.
In addition to national exposure, Saturday Showdown will include retail promotions, community engagement initiatives, and opportunities for fans to interact with MLS in new ways. Walmart’s involvement will help power behind-the-scenes access, youth soccer collaborations, and immersive digital content around each featured game.
Other early matchups include Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC on March 2, and LA Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City on March 23, with more games and activations to be announced as the season progresses.
As MLS continues to grow in stature and audience, the Walmart Saturday Showdown represents a strategic move to unify storytelling, sponsorship, and accessibility, ensuring the league remains a centerpiece of North American sports culture.
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