Where to Watch CF Montréal v Chicago Fire in the UK: Blake Price and Paul Dolan Lead MLS Season Pass Coverage

Football fans in the UK seeking late-night action in the early hours of Saturday, 19 July, are in for a treat as CF Montréal host Chicago Fire in a Major League Soccer (MLS) clash kicking off at 00:30 BST. For British audiences, the match will be available exclusively on MLS Season Pass, the league's official streaming platform, with no coverage scheduled on traditional UK broadcasters such as BBC, ITV, Sky, or TNT. This reflects the league’s global strategy of centralising live rights and highlights, placing significant focus on digital access for international viewers.

The match will be called by a commentary duo with strong transatlantic credentials: Blake Price on play-by-play, alongside Paul Dolan as co-commentator. While mainstream British sports networks have not acquired rights to this match, MLS Season Pass offers UK-based supporters direct access to every MLS fixture, with English-language commentary tailored to the global audience.

Meet the Commentary Team

Blake Price, hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of Canada’s most experienced sports broadcasters, with a CV spanning more than two decades across radio and television. A graduate of the University of British Columbia and BCIT, Price began his broadcast journey with Global TV’s Sportsline and SportsPage in Saskatoon and Vancouver before joining TSN, where he anchored the primetime edition of Sportscentre and co-hosted the popular “Sekeres & Price” radio show for a decade. His portfolio extends beyond football, having provided live commentary for Olympic hockey, world championship hockey, and Canadian men’s rugby. Price has been the main voice of Vancouver Whitecaps MLS broadcasts since 2021 and was the national radio voice for Canada’s men’s team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup[2]. In recent years, he has expanded his reach by transitioning his radio show to a podcast format, now available on Apple Podcasts[2].

Paul Dolan brings deep football knowledge and a unique perspective as a former Canadian international goalkeeper. Dolan made history as the youngest goalkeeper to appear in a FIFA World Cup, representing Canada at Mexico 1986[1][3]. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant and goalkeeper coach for the Canadian men’s national team, before moving into broadcasting. Dolan has been a regular voice in Canadian football coverage for over 20 years, calling matches in the USL on FOX Soccer Channel and later MLS games on TSN and Sportsnet. He also co-hosted TSN Radio’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar[1]. Dolan’s insights are informed by his playing experience, but as he notes, his view of the game has broadened in the commentary booth: “I see the game much more broadly now than I ever did as a goalkeeper where my main focus was on the back four and my own role within the team… Every thought I had in a game or practice was with a view toward how we could prevent goal-scoring opportunities whereas now I’m fascinated by the different tactics and strategies I get to hear MLS coaches speak to us about before each game day”[3].

The pair have developed a strong on-air rapport, having called matches together since 2021, and are now regular fixtures on MLS Season Pass broadcasts[1][3]. Their chemistry and expertise make them a compelling choice for MLS’s global audience, offering balanced analysis and engaging storytelling.

The Teams: CF Montréal and Chicago Fire

CF Montréal, the sole Canadian club in the Eastern Conference, play home games at Stade Saputo and have a passionate Francophone following. The club’s history is tied closely to the city’s multicultural heritage, and it has produced a number of players for the Canadian national team. For more on the club’s history and current squad, visit the official CF Montréal website.

Chicago Fire, based in the heart of the American Midwest, have a storied history in MLS, having won the league and US Open Cup double in 1998, their inaugural season. The club plays at Soldier Field and has a reputation for developing young talent. For the latest news and updates from the Fire, check the official Chicago Fire website.

This fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both clubs looking to bolster their playoff credentials as the MLS season enters the business end. CF Montréal will aim to leverage home advantage, while Chicago Fire will be keen to secure points on the road.

How to Watch MLS in the UK

MLS continues to grow in popularity among UK football audiences, with fans drawn to its high-scoring games, star players, and competitive balance. However, unlike the Premier League or European competitions, MLS matches are not regularly broadcast on British terrestrial or satellite channels such as BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, or TNT Sports. Instead, UK-based supporters must subscribe to MLS Season Pass, available via Apple TV and compatible devices. This platform provides live coverage of every MLS match, plus highlights, analysis, and original programming—making it the only way to follow every kick in real time from across the Atlantic[5].

The absence of MLS on traditional UK channels is a reflection of the league’s new rights deal with Apple, which began in 2023 and is designed to provide a consistent, high-quality broadcast experience worldwide. While this model may be unfamiliar to British viewers accustomed to Saturday afternoon football on Sky or BT/TNT, it offers flexibility for fans who want to follow North American football without geographical restrictions.

Punditry and Analysis: What to Expect

With Blake Price and Paul Dolan in the commentary box, viewers can expect a broadcast rich in tactical insight and player experience. Price’s sharp play-by-play delivery is complemented by Dolan’s nuanced understanding of defensive organisation and goalkeeping, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the match. Their commentary often features pre-game insights from MLS coaches, adding depth to the viewing experience[3].

MLS Season Pass also includes studio analysis, though the specific pundits for this match have not been announced. Typically, the platform features a rotating cast of former players, coaches, and journalists, ensuring varied perspectives on both North American and international football.

MLS Season Pass: The Future of Football Broadcasting?

The partnership between MLS and Apple represents a bold experiment in sports broadcasting, shifting away from traditional TV networks to a direct-to-consumer streaming model. This approach allows MLS to control its global narrative, offer consistent commentary teams, and provide a seamless experience for international audiences—including those in the UK who want to follow North America’s top league outside of traditional broadcast windows.

For more details on MLS Season Pass, including subscription options and features, visit the official MLS Season Pass information page.

Conclusion

For British football fans, the early hours of Saturday, 19 July offer a rare chance to watch CF Montréal take on Chicago Fire, with the match exclusively available on MLS Season Pass. The experienced commentary duo of Blake Price and Paul Dolan will guide viewers through the action, bringing a blend of journalistic clarity and former-player insight. While the absence of broadcast on UK terrestrial or satellite channels may be a change for some, the direct access and quality of coverage provided by MLS Season Pass make it an appealing option for those seeking to broaden their football horizons.