Apple is getting rid of the Major League Soccer paywall, bringing every MLS game to its core Apple TV service beginning next season.
The tech giant and the soccer league say that they will be sunsetting MLS Season Pass, the premium subscription service that had been the home for all MLS games in favor of making every game available to every Apple TV subscriber.
When Apple and MLS announced their blockbuster 10-year, $2.5 billion deal in 2022, the agreement called for a “broad selection” of games, as well as playoff games, to be available to all Apple TV+ users, but most games were only available through the add-on Season Pass service.
The revised agreement, sent to be approved by the MLS board of governors Thursday, will remove that added step, potentially broadening out the fanbase.
The move by MLS follows Apple’s deal for Formula 1 rights in the U.S., outbidding ESPN. F1 races will similarly be available for all Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. Apple has been making moves to expand the accessibility and product offering of Apple TV, including launching a bundle with Peacock and a partnership with Chase for free access to Sapphire cardholders.
In addition, live sports remain the only place within Apple TV where the company sells ads, and broadening the availability is likely to help in that regard.
“We’re thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world next season on Apple TV,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, in a statement. “Every match, all in one place, alongside incredible Apple Originals — it’s a win for fans everywhere.”
“Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans,” added Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer. “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.”
2026, as it happens, is expected to be a big one for U.S. soccer fans, with North America set to host the FIFA World Cup. MLS had been banking on leveraging the excitement around the World Cup, which will feature many MLS stars, to boost its own fortunes.
MLS and Apple also recently launched a new dedicated production facility in Stamford, Connecticut, that is meant to streamline and improve the quality of production for its programming, including virtual production studios and a centralized control center for games and graphics.
IMG senior vp Stephen Cook called the facility a “football factory in America” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in October.
