Apple Scraps MLS Paywall, Will Stream Every Soccer Game on Apple TV

Major League Soccer is dropping its premium paywall. Every match will soon be free for Apple TV subscribers. This major shift starts with the upcoming 2025 season.

The move dismantles the MLS Season Pass add-on. All regular season and playoff games will now be included in the core Apple TV service. This decision marks a significant strategy change for both Apple and the league.

Deal Aims to Broaden Soccer’s Fanbase Dramatically

Apple and MLS announced a groundbreaking 10-year partnership in 2022. That deal was worth $2.5 billion. Initially, it placed most games behind the Season Pass paywall.

Now, the league’s board of governors is set to approve the revision. The goal is clear: attract more viewers. By removing the extra cost, Apple and MLS hope to dramatically grow their audience.

Live Sports Become Central Pillar of Apple TV Strategy

This move mirrors Apple’s other sports plays. The company recently secured U.S. rights for Formula 1 racing. Those races will also be free for Apple TV subscribers.

Live sports are a unique ad opportunity for Apple. A broader audience means more potential ad revenue. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Apple has invested heavily in new production facilities to support this push.

A new state-of-the-art broadcast center opened in Stamford, Connecticut. It features virtual studios and a centralized control hub. This “football factory” is designed to elevate the viewing experience for fans.

The timing is strategic. North America will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. MLS aims to ride the wave of soccer excitement generated by that global event.

This decision to make every MLS game free on Apple TV represents a bold bet on accessibility. It could reshape how fans engage with the growing league. The success of this model will be closely watched across the entire sports broadcasting industry.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: When do MLS games become free on Apple TV?

The new model begins with the 2025 Major League Soccer season. All regular season and playoff matches will be included at no extra cost for Apple TV subscribers starting then.

Q2: Do I still need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch?

Yes. You will need an active Apple TV+ subscription. The change removes the separate MLS Season Pass fee, but the base Apple TV+ service is still required.

Q3: What happened to the MLS Season Pass?

MLS Season Pass is being discontinued. The premium subscription service, launched in 2023, will be sunsetted. Its content is moving into the main Apple TV+ offering.

Q4: Why is Apple making this change?

Industry analysts see it as a play for audience growth. A larger viewer base can drive more advertising revenue and attract new subscribers to the Apple TV ecosystem overall.

Q5: Will the production quality change for games?

Production quality is expected to remain high. Apple and MLS recently opened a dedicated broadcast facility to streamline production. The goal is to maintain a premium viewing experience.

Q6: Does this affect other sports on Apple TV?

It signals Apple’s broader sports strategy. The company’s Formula 1 coverage will follow a similar free-for-subscribers model. Live sports are a key focus for Apple’s services division.