Apple TV drops its paywall for Major League Soccer
Image: Apple
Good news, soccer fans: You’ll be paying a lot less for your Major League Soccer habit next year.
Apple has announced that starting next year, it will do away with the add-on paywall for Apple TV’s Major League Soccer coverage, meaning all Apple TV subscribers will get to stream MLS regular season and playoff action for no extra charge.
For this past regular season of MLS Season Pass, Apple charged $14.99 a month or $99 for the full season, while Apple TV subscribers had to shell out a discounted rate of $12.99 a month or $79 for the season. Apple had already dropped its MLS paywall for Apple TV subscribers at the end of the regular season, so all 2025 MLS playoff games are included in its $12.99-per-month subscription (following a recent price hike).
“Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans,” said Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, in a press release. “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.”
Also chiming in was Apple SVP Eddie Cue, who called the news a “win for fans everywhere.”
Aside from regular season marches, Apple TV’s 2026 MLS coverage will include the annual Leagues Cup tournament, the MLS All-Star Game, the Campeones Cup, the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
The standalone MLS Season Pass on Apple TV will wrap up with the 2025 season, which is still in progress.
Apple signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Major League Soccer back in 2022, and it kicked off its standalone MLS Season Pass the following year.
For the 2025 MLS season, Apple debuted Sunday Night Soccer, a weekly marquee matchup that boasts an “enhanced” production and “dedicated” studio programming, along with pre- and post-game shows.
Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer, TechHive
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he has covered everything from smart speakers and soundbars to smart lights and security cameras. Ben’s articles have also appeared in PC Magazine, TIME, Wired, CNET, Men’s Fitness, Mobile Magazine, and more. Ben holds a master’s degree in English literature.
