Apple TV to Stream MLS Games at No Extra Cost Starting 2026

Apple is making a major change to its sports streaming strategy. Major League Soccer (MLS) games will be included with a standard Apple TV subscription starting in 2026. This move eliminates the need for a separate, paid MLS Season Pass.

The decision aims to dramatically expand the league’s audience. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the MLS board of governors must still approve the new arrangement.

New Deal Ends Separate MLS Season Pass

The current MLS Season Pass costs $14.99 per month or $99 per season. This standalone subscription will be discontinued ahead of the 2026 season. All live MLS matches will then be accessible to anyone with the base Apple TV plan.

The base Apple TV service is priced at $12.99 per month. This means fans will pay less for access to MLS and all other Apple TV content. The shift is designed to make soccer more accessible to a global audience.

Apple’s services chief, Eddy Cue, expressed enthusiasm for the plan. He said Apple is thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world.

Apple’s Growing Push Into Live Sports

This move is part of Apple’s broader plan to become a destination for live sports. The company recently secured Formula 1 broadcasting rights in the United States. Similar to the new MLS model, F1 races will also be available to all Apple TV subscribers.

Including major sports in the core subscription service is a key tactic. It helps Apple attract new subscribers and compete with other streaming giants. Live sports are seen as a reliable way to reduce customer turnover.

The strategy signals a competitive new phase in the streaming wars. Other services may feel pressure to bundle popular live sports into their standard offerings.

This strategic shift makes top-tier soccer more affordable for millions of viewers. The 2026 Apple TV MLS integration could significantly alter the sports media landscape for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

When will MLS move to the standard Apple TV subscription?

The change is scheduled for the 2026 MLS season. The current MLS Season Pass will be available until then.

How much will it cost to watch MLS on Apple TV in 2026?

You will need the standard Apple TV subscription, which costs $12.99 per month. There will be no extra fee for MLS content.

What other live sports does Apple TV offer?

Apple TV also streams Major League Baseball (MLB) and will soon add Formula 1. Its live sports portfolio is steadily growing.

Will this affect the quality or number of MLS broadcasts?

All reports indicate the production quality and number of games will remain high. The change is purely about the subscription model.

Why is Apple making this change?

The goal is to attract a much larger audience for MLS. Making it part of the base subscription removes a significant barrier for casual fans.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter