MLS
MLS Season Pass Ends in 2026, Matches Move to Apple TV
Major changes are coming to the way fans watch Major League Soccer, and they’re happening sooner than you think. No, this isn’t tied to the long-talked-about and recently announced MLS calendar shift (that’s set for 2027, and you can read more about that here). This update is all about Apple and MLS officially moving away from MLS Season Pass and opening the door to a far more accessible MLS streaming experience.
Next season, every Apple TV subscriber will have access to every MLS match at no extra cost. This means the premium $79.99/$99.99 paywall separating fans from their clubs is gone. A massive shift in how supporters will watch MLS in 2026 and beyond.
The historic broadcasting partnership between Apple and MLS launched in 2023, a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal centered entirely around MLS Season Pass. Apple committed to paying the league $250 million per year for exclusive streaming rights, making Apple TV the home of MLS coverage.
In a press conference Thursday night MLS Commissioner Don Garber spoke about the partnership. “Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans.” He also had this to say, “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.”
Now, the newly rebranded Apple TV service (formerly Apple TV+) is expected to put MLS in front of millions of new viewers. This change arrives as Apple expands further into live sports, including a new Formula 1 broadcasting partnership that will bring every F1 race exclusively to Apple next year. With MLS, F1, the tech company is positioning itself as a leading destination for live sports streaming. For fans looking to broaden their soccer viewing options, Apple and NBCUniversal also announced a $14.99 bundle that combines Apple TV with Peacock, the exclusive U.S. broadcaster of the English Premier League.
It’s also hard to ignore the timing. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MLS is clearly preparing for a surge in attention. Removing the premium paywall barrier gives better access for casual fans, new fans, and anyone curious about the league heading into the biggest soccer event North America has ever hosted.
Historically, soccer viewership and attendance rise sharply after a World Cup. By eliminating the MLS Season Pass paywall, the league is setting itself up to capture that post-World Cup momentum. While making it easier than ever for fans to follow their clubs, including the Philadelphia Union, without extra fees or subscriptions.
For now, soccer fans can enjoy the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs on Apple TV, without Season Pass.
