PALM BEACH, Fla. — Starting in 2026, Major League Soccer (MLS) will remove its separate paywall on Apple TV. This means all MLS games will be available to Apple TV subscribers without the cost of an additional MLS Season Pass.
MLS and Apple have decided to change their agreement after the 2025 season, following feedback about the previous setup. The MLS Season Pass was priced at $14.99 monthly or $99 for the season. While it provided fans with a solid viewing experience, it limited access for newcomers to the league.
Currently, a standard Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 a month or $99 yearly. Plus, MLS season ticket holders will still enjoy a complimentary subscription.
Removing the paywall opens up MLS games to all Apple TV users. Recent reports indicated that Apple has around 45 million subscribers, although Apple executive Eddy Cue stated they have even more than that.
This shift is part of a broader strategy. Apple recently signed a five-year deal with Formula 1, starting in 2026, aiming to attract sports fans across different leagues. A recent bundle with Peacock, priced from $14.99 per month, also provides access to both MLS and the Premier League. Early results show that when MLS made over 200 games available outside the Season Pass, they attracted larger audiences.
MLS has further enhanced its visibility by streaming all the games in its 2025 postseason outside of the paywall. This change is a significant step from the league’s previous 10-year, $2.5 billion agreement with Apple that began in 2023. The deal consolidated all MLS media rights under Apple and created a unified viewing experience.
While some fans have voiced concerns over the complexity of finding MLS games, both MLS and Apple are working to improve distribution. Deals with Comcast and DirecTV are part of those efforts.
Despite some obstacles, there’s a sense of optimism among league leaders. MLS deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson expressed confidence in the partnership’s long-term potential. “I believe we’re ahead of the curve,” he said. “Having access to all our 600 matches globally with just a click will pay off. Our partnership with Apple is adaptive, and we expect improvements as we move forward.”
In recent years, viewership trends have shifted, with many sports fans seeking accessibility through streaming services. A 2023 study showed that 80% of younger viewers prefer watching sports online. This growing preference aligns with MLS’s future plans to leverage streaming for wider reach.
As MLS evolves with its viewing options, it reflects the broader changes in sports consumption, making games easier to find and enjoy.
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