MLS and Apple TV Revamp Streaming Model for Enhanced Accessibility

Under the new agreement, viewers will no longer need to pay the additional $14.99 monthly or $99 annually for the MLS Season Pass, as all Major League Soccer (MLS) content will be included with the standard Apple TV subscription priced at $12.99 monthly or $99 annually. This shift follows Apple’s recent decision to offer the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs to all Apple TV subscribers without requiring a Season Pass, effectively initiating this new approach.

This timing is strategically aligned with the increasing excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By removing the extra paywall, MLS and Apple are poised to significantly expand the league’s audience during a period when interest in soccer in North America is anticipated to soar. Furthermore, this change reflects Apple’s evolving sports strategy, which now encompasses live MLS rights, Friday Night Baseball, and newly acquired Formula 1 rights in the U.S.

Framed as a pivotal initiative to enhance the league’s global presence, MLS Commissioner Don Garber noted that this agreement aligns with the long-term vision of providing a more accessible and cohesive viewing experience for fans.

“Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans,” Garber stated in the press release. “Bringing every MLS match to Apple TV elevates that vision by simplifying access for fans everywhere to watch, connect, and engage with the game.”

Eddy Cue from Apple echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the convenience of having all MLS games consolidated on a single platform alongside an expanding array of original programming.

“We’re thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world next season on Apple TV,” Cue remarked. “Every match, all in one place, alongside incredible Apple Originals – it’s a win for fans everywhere.”

With the new arrangement, Apple TV subscribers will gain access to every regular-season match, the annual Leagues Cup tournament, the MLS All-Star Game, the Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup, and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs without incurring additional charges. Studio programming and on-demand content will remain part of the package, with no blackout restrictions, a feature that has been upheld since the inception of the partnership.

Additionally, Apple confirmed that Apple TV subscriptions will be bundled into full-season ticket packages for the 2026 MLS season, providing club season-ticket holders automatic access to all matches. This consolidation creates a single streaming destination for MLS, available on all Apple TV-supported devices in over 100 countries and regions.

In conjunction with this announcement, the league also revealed a change in its calendar to better align with the schedules of leading leagues worldwide, and it is reportedly considering structural changes as well.