Major League Soccer Games to Be Free for Apple TV+ Subscribers Starting 2026 Season
Apple announced on November 13, 2025, that Major League Soccer (MLS) games will be included free for all Apple TV+ subscribers beginning with the 2026 season. This strategic shift eliminates the need for fans to purchase the separate MLS Season Pass subscription, making all league content more accessible to a broader audience. The move is a significant development in the ongoing 10-year partnership between Apple and MLS, which commenced in 2022.
Eliminating the Separate Season Pass Requirement
The decision means that fans who previously paid for MLS Season Pass will no longer incur additional costs if they are Apple TV+ subscribers.Before this announcement, the MLS Season Pass cost $14.99 per month.99 per month.99 per month or $99 per season for non-Apple TV+ users, while Apple TV+ subscribers received a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $79 per season. This change bundles the full suite of MLS content—including over 500 regular-season games annually, playoffs, and Leagues Cup matches, totaling more than 1,000 live events—directly into the existing Apple TV+ subscription.
Apple's Senior VP of Services, Eddy Cue, stated on November 13, 2025, that this represents "a new era for soccer streaming," aiming to bring fans closer to the action without additional fees. MLS Commissioner Don Garber echoed this sentiment, noting that "This evolution of our partnership with Apple will revolutionize how fans experience MLS." The joint announcement emphasized that subscribers will experience no blackouts or regional restrictions, with games available in over 100 countries.
Strategic Partnership Evolution and Viewership Impact
This integration comes as Apple TV+ seeks to bolster its subscriber base, currently estimated at approximately 25 million worldwide as of November 13, 2025. By incorporating premium live sports, Apple aims to enhance the value proposition of its $9.99/month streaming service amid intense competition. This mirrors Apple's broader strategy, as seen with its Formula 1 deal announced in October 2025, bundling sports content to drive subscriptions.
The accessibility is projected to significantly impact MLS viewership. The league reported a 25% increase in viewership in 2025 compared to 2024, with peak games attracting over 1 million viewers on Apple TV. Analysts from Reuters on November 13, 2025, project that the free access could boost viewership by an additional 30-50%. The original 2022 deal between Apple and MLS was valued at $2.5 billion over 10 years. Expert reactions, as reported by ESPN on November 14, 2025, have largely praised the move as a "game-changer for MLS accessibility," potentially attracting a new wave of casual viewers.
Enhanced Fan Experience and Global Reach
The updated offering includes several improvements designed to enhance the fan experience. All MLS content will be seamlessly integrated directly into the Apple TV app, eliminating the need for a separate application. Key features will include live games, on-demand replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes programming like "MLS 360," a multiview whip-around program. Additionally, subscribers can look forward to multiview support, allowing up to four games to be watched simultaneously on Apple devices.
Technological enhancements include enhanced 4K streaming with spatial audio, real-time stats overlays, and personalized notifications integrated across the Apple ecosystem, such as the Watch app. A significant differentiator is the complete absence of geo-restrictions for international viewers and the availability of localized commentary in multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, in various international markets. This broad global access, coupled with an ad-free experience for subscribers in most regions, positions Apple TV+ uniquely against competitors that often face regional blackouts or rely on ad-supported tiers.