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Football Insider

Revolutionizing the MLS Viewing Experience: Apple TV to Offer All Matches After 2025 Season

MLS and Apple have announced a groundbreaking shift in their media partnership, bringing every MLS match to Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost starting in 2026. This move aims to enhance accessibility and unity in the viewing experience for soccer fans worldwide.

Revolutionizing the MLS Viewing Experience: Apple TV to Offer All Matches After 2025 Season

MLS and Apple have announced a major shift to their media partnership, with the standalone MLS Season Pass ending after the 2025 season. Beginning in 2026, every MLS match will be available at no extra cost to Apple TV subscribers, giving fans worldwide a single destination to watch the league with no blackouts.Under the current model, viewers must pay $14.99 monthly or $99 annually for MLS Season Pass on top of an Apple TV subscription to access all matches. The revised agreement will integrate all MLS content directly into the standard Apple TV service, which costs $12.99 monthly or $99 annually. The shift follows Apple's decision to make the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs available to all Apple TV subscribers without a Season Pass - effectively soft-launching the new approach.The timing positions MLS to capitalize on the momentum building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By removing the additional paywall, MLS and Apple are creating an opportunity to significantly expand the league’s audience during a period when soccer interest in North America is expected to reach unprecedented levels. The change also reflects Apple’s evolving sports strategy - which now includes live MLS rights, Friday Night Baseball, and newly acquired Formula 1 rights in the U.S.Framed as a major step in widening the league’s global reach, MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized that the agreement aligns with the league’s long-term vision of delivering a more accessible and unified viewing experience for supporters.“Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans,” Garber said in the press release. “Bringing every MLS match to Apple TV takes that vision to the next level by making it easier than ever for fans everywhere to watch, connect, and be part of the game.”Apple’s Eddy Cue echoed that sentiment, highlighting the appeal of bringing all MLS games together on a single platform alongside the company’s growing library of original programming.“We’re thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world next season on Apple TV,” Cue said. “Every match, all in one place, alongside incredible Apple Originals - it’s a win for fans everywhere.”Under 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 paying the additional fee. Studio programming and on-demand content will continue to be included, with no blackouts - a key feature MLS and Apple have maintained since the partnership began.Apple also confirmed that Apple TV subscriptions will be bundled into full-season ticket packages for the 2026 MLS season, allowing club season-ticket holders automatic access to all matches. The move consolidates MLS into a single streaming destination available on all Apple TV–supported devices in more than 100 countries and regions.In addition to this announcement, the league also announced on Thursday that it has changed its league calendar to better align with the schedules of top leagues around the world. There are also reports that it will consider changes to its structure as well. 

1

A New Era of MLS Viewing

In a strategic move, MLS and Apple have decided to discontinue the standalone MLS Season Pass after the culmination of the 2025 season. Instead, all MLS matches will be seamlessly integrated into the standard Apple TV service from 2026 onwards. This shift eliminates the need for an additional subscription fee and offers fans a streamlined platform to enjoy the league's games without any blackouts.

2

Synergy with Future Sporting Events

The timing of this transition aligns perfectly with the anticipation surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By removing the paywall, MLS and Apple are strategically positioned to capitalize on the heightened interest in soccer in North America during this monumental period.

3

Apple's Evolving Sports Strategy

Apple's evolving sports strategy now includes live MLS rights, Friday Night Baseball, and recently acquired Formula 1 rights in the U.S. This expansion underscores Apple's commitment to offering diverse sports content to its subscribers and solidifying its position as a key player in the sports media landscape.

4

Unified Viewing Experience

MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized that the partnership with Apple is aimed at delivering a more accessible and cohesive viewing experience for fans worldwide. By consolidating all MLS games on one platform, supporters can easily engage with the league and feel more connected to the action on the field.

5

Exciting Opportunities for Fans

Apple's Eddy Cue expressed excitement about the prospect of bringing MLS matches to a broader audience on Apple TV. With every game available in one place alongside Apple Originals, fans can look forward to a rich viewing experience that combines sports and entertainment seamlessly.

6

Enhanced Fan Benefits

Under the new arrangement, Apple TV subscribers will have access to a range of MLS content, including regular-season matches, the Leagues Cup tournament, the MLS All-Star Game, the Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup, and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs - all without any additional charges. This move underscores a commitment to providing fans with an inclusive and comprehensive soccer viewing package.

7

Streamlined Accessibility

The integration of MLS into the Apple TV service ensures that fans in over 100 countries and regions can easily access the league's games on any Apple TV-supported device. Additionally, Apple TV subscriptions will be bundled with full-season ticket packages for the 2026 MLS season, simplifying the process for club season-ticket holders to enjoy all matches.

8

Forward-Thinking Changes

In addition to this monumental announcement, MLS also revealed plans to align its league calendar with other top leagues globally. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding potential structural changes within the league, indicating a forward-thinking approach to further enhance the MLS experience for fans and stakeholders.

Published on Nov 13, 2025