3 Minutes
Apple has confirmed a sweeping change for soccer fans: starting with the 2026 season, every Major League Soccer match will be available to stream on Apple TV at no additional cost. The move ends the standalone MLS Season Pass model and folds matches into Apple TV's core offering.
What exactly is changing for viewers?
Until the end of 2025, MLS viewers needed to buy an MLS Season Pass — a separate product that cost about $15 a month — even if they already subscribed to Apple TV. From 2026, Apple TV subscribers will get access to all regular-season games as well as marquee events without purchasing a separate pass.
Matches and extras included
- All regular-season MLS matches
- Leagues Cup and the MLS All-Star Game
- Campeones Cup and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
- Studio shows and on-demand soccer content tied to MLS coverage
Apple previously ran a partial preview of this strategy by making the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs free for its subscribers, suggesting the company was testing streaming infrastructure and viewer appetite before committing to a full-season rollout.
How this fits with Apple Sports programming
This change aligns with Apple TV's broader sports strategy. The platform already offers Friday Night Baseball without extra fees and recently secured exclusive U.S. rights to Formula 1 coverage. Bundling MLS into the base subscription simplifies the user experience, and it explains why Apple is retiring the separate Season Pass.
What it means for pricing and the streaming landscape
Removing the Season Pass could be a double-edged sword for consumers. On the one hand, subscribers gain a lot more live sports value without juggling add-ons. On the other, bringing high-profile rights into the base tier could pressure Apple to raise subscription prices down the line.
Industry context matters: the report of the deal first surfaced on ESPN, and comes amid broader disputes over carriage and distribution between major media companies and TV streamers. As rights shift from legacy broadcasters to streaming platforms, viewers should expect more changes in how sports are packaged and priced.
Why fans should care
Imagine never having to buy a separate soccer pass again. For casual fans, access to marquee matches and playoffs within a single subscription lowers the barrier to follow the league. For dedicated supporters, integrated studio programming and on-demand highlights offer richer context around every matchday.
Apple TV's move could also nudge competitors to rethink their sports bundles, potentially reshaping how live sports are monetized and consumed worldwide.
Keep an eye out: the MLS Season Pass will remain available through the 2025 season, and more details about regional blackout rules, broadcast partners, and pricing shifts are likely to emerge as 2026 approaches.
Source: gsmarena
Leave a Comment