MLS games head to Apple TV in 2026 as Season Pass ends

Major League Soccer Finds a New Home on Apple TV

Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to take a significant leap forward in its media presence, as all its matches will be available on Apple TV starting from the 2026 season. This move marks a substantial shift for both the league and Apple’s media strategy, as the tech giant will be discontinuing Season Pass, the separate subscription service for MLS games that was launched in 2023.

The decision to move MLS games to Apple TV is a result of the growing popularity of the streaming platform, which currently features Major League Baseball games and scripted series like “Severance.” Apple and MLS had initially signed a 10-year media rights deal in 2022, making Apple the exclusive global home to the U.S. professional soccer league. However, instead of featuring matches on the main streaming service, Apple launched Season Pass as a separate subscription for MLS games.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

According to MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson, the idea behind Season Pass was to provide a unique and convenient way for fans to watch all MLS matches in one place. The service, which costs $14.99 a month, has received a positive response from fans, but Apple has decided to integrate it into the main Apple TV platform to provide a more streamlined experience. Stevenson expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating that it would make the league more accessible to a broader audience.

The shift to Apple TV is part of Apple’s efforts to change the current sports viewing experience. With the rise of streaming, the sports viewing landscape has become increasingly fragmented, requiring consumers to subscribe to multiple services to watch their favorite sports. Apple Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue has emphasized the need to simplify this experience, stating that the current market has “gone backwards” and that a more streamlined approach is necessary.

A New Era for MLS

The move to Apple TV comes as MLS completes its 30th season and looks to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S. The league has seen an increase in fandom in recent years, particularly after global superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF. With the World Cup set to take place in North America next year, MLS is poised to gain even more traction.

In another significant development, MLS has announced that it will shift its calendar to align with the schedule of global soccer leagues. This change will allow MLS teams to participate more seamlessly in the worldwide player transfer window during the summer and avoid coinciding with the busy fall sports schedule in the U.S. The new calendar will be adopted starting from the summer of 2027, marking a new era for the league.