A bold move by MLS Productions, setting up shop at WWE’s cutting-edge studios in Stamford, Connecticut, marks a strategic leap toward more integrated, efficient, and technologically advanced content delivery for fans everywhere.
Elevated Studio Experience at Stamford’s WWE Hub
When Major League Soccer’s production arm, MLS Productions, announced its relocation to WWE’s state-of-the-art facility in downtown Stamford, it signaled more than a change of address. This shift ushers in a new era of centralized production and cutting-edge broadcast innovation. The Studios at WWE spans an impressive 30,000 square feet, featuring five studios, virtual production stages, and advanced control rooms—a custom environment designed to meet the evolving needs of MLS Season Pass programming.
Up until now, production was scattered across Manhattan—studio shows at outside facilities, graphics produced on trucks at stadiums, and digital content generated remotely or from the league’s Midtown offices. This dispersion often led to inconsistent workflows. Now, with MLS Productions, IMG, and AE Live co-located under one roof in Stamford, teams are unified, enabling seamless collaboration and production efficiency on a scale not previously possible.
Pushing The Standard for Bilingual and Digital Content
The move doesn’t just consolidate operations; it also elevates the league’s commitment to inclusive, bilingual programming. The facility houses two identically equipped studios—one for English and one for Spanish, each measuring around 2,200 square feet. This arrangement ensures equitable treatment of both language audiences, with equal production quality and resources.
Stamford’s facility also boosts the production of live matches, studio analysis, and short-form content that fuels the league’s vast digital ecosystem—delivering to MLS Season Pass, social platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and broadcast partners including Fox, Univision, ESPN, and CBS Sports. The consolidated operation has enabled MLS to produce around 600 hours of live programming this season, further supported by nearly 50 % growth in unique viewers on Season Pass, signaling the impact of these enhancements.
An Industry-Ready Media Hub with Strategic Incentives
Stamford’s transformation into a thriving media hub played a key role in MLS’s relocation decision. Beyond WWE’s impressive studios, the city is home to NBC Sports’ headquarters, Stamford Studios producing shows like The Steve Wilkos Show and Karamo, and numerous media businesses clustered in its South End.
Additionally, Connecticut’s broadcast production tax incentives and robust support from local officials made Stamford an attractive destination. These economic incentives, combined with the city’s proximity to New York and cost benefits, present a compelling case for media companies moving operations.
Building for the Future of the League
This strategic relocation comes at a pivotal moment for MLS, now in its 30th season, expanding to 30 teams across North America. The deployment of advanced production technology and centralized workflows positions the league to scale its content, especially in the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when interest in soccer—and MLS—will skyrocket.
Key voices in the operation have emphasized how the new environment empowers higher quality storytelling. Seth Bacon, MLS EVP of Media, praised the consolidation for eliminating duplication and focusing everyone on delivering great content. Lee Fitting of WWE highlighted how the high-tech facility elevates the creative capabilities. Commentators like Taylor Twellman and Antonella González have echoed that the new setup is “perfect,” streamlined, and comfortable for staff, revealing real enthusiasm on the ground.
Stamford as the Future of Media Innovation
In relocating to Stamford, MLS Productions not only upgraded its physical production environment but also embedded itself in a city that champions media growth and innovation. This move showcases a clear vision: delivering more dynamic, technically superior, and inclusive football content, leveraging both studio sophistication and geographic strategy. With a digitally young fan base and global streaming aspirations, MLS is tying its trajectory to where media meets future-first technology—right in the heart of Stamford’s media ecosystem.
Connecting to SIA Academy
The relocation of MLS Productions to a centralized, high-tech hub in Stamford offers a compelling parallel to what happens at SIA Academy. Just as MLS streamlined its production workflow, elevated technological capabilities, and prioritized bilingual and inclusive programming, SIA Academy empowers students with cohesive, state-of-the-art instruction, integrated learning environments, and a commitment to equity in opportunity and representation.
At SIA Academy, we strive to bring together expertise, innovation, and resources—just like MLS did—to foster creative excellence, encourage immersive experiences, and ensure every student, regardless of background, receives access to top-tier learning. The synergy of technology and talent, the centralized environment for collaborative growth, and the equity of opportunity in practice—these are the shared principles that drive both MLS’s production relocation and SIA Academy’s educational mission.
