Updated November 14th with news that Apple and MLS have renegotiated their partnership agreement.
In 2022, Apple and Major League Soccer agreed to the big event that made Apple TV the streaming provider for all league matches (local broadcasters still offered games on network television). However, these matches required a paid subscription. According to the release, this paywall will be removed for the upcoming 2026 MLS season. announcement produced by Apple and MLS.
Next season's MLS matches will simply become part of your regular Apple TV subscription. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99/£12.99 per month or $99 per year. Previously, Apple offered an MLS season pass that cost $14.99 per month or $99 per year (no Apple TV subscription required).
While the report may seem surprising, the signs of change were clear. The 2026 MLS playoffs (which are happening now) are not behind a paywall on Apple TV. Earlier this year reports said MLS commissioner Dan Garber called Apple a “great technology partner,” but questions were raised about whether Apple TV was the best home for the league's efforts to expand its fan base. Apple and MLS have entered into a ten-year agreement that begins with the 2023 season.
Sports reported that the Apple-MLS deal would end in 2029, three years earlier than the original 2032 agreement. MLS Commissioner Garber told reporters that all the contract changes are “very positive for us.” Apple will pay MLS $858 million for the remaining years of the contract.
The changes come a month after Apple and Formula 1. signed a five-year deal with Apple TV to broadcast all Formula 1 races. Under this agreement, practice, qualifying, sprints and Grands Prix will be available to Apple TV subscribers, and some races and all practices will be available for free on the Apple TV app. F1 TV Premium will continue to be available in the US with an Apple TV subscription for just $17 per month.
