How to Watch MLS 2026: Apple TV Subscription, End of MLS Season Pass
 |
| How to Watch MLS Live in the US |
If you watched MLS anytime between 2023 and 2025, you probably heard the same question over and over: “Do I need Apple TV or MLS Season Pass… or both?”
In 2026, that question finally goes away.
Starting this season, Major League Soccer has simplified its media setup in a big way. MLS matches are no longer sold through a separate add-on. Instead, everything is bundled directly into Apple TV.
Here’s what that actually means, what changes for fans, and why MLS picked 2026 to make this move.
Read more:
- MLS 2026 Season Preview: Dates, World Cup Pause, Apple TV Changes, and What US Fans Should Watch
- MLS 2026 Schedule Explained: Key Dates, World Cup Break, and What Fans Need to Know
The biggest change: MLS Season Pass is gone
From 2023 to 2025, MLS operated under a two-step system:
-
You needed an Apple TV subscription
-
Then you added MLS Season Pass on top
Beginning in 2026, that second step disappears.
Apple has confirmed that all MLS content is included with a standard Apple TV subscription, and the standalone MLS Season Pass ends after the 2025 season.
In plain terms:
-
No separate soccer add-on
-
No split pricing
-
No confusion about which games are included
If you subscribe to Apple TV in 2026, you can watch MLS.
What’s included with Apple TV in MLS 2026?
Apple’s deal with MLS doesn’t just cover a handful of marquee matches. The league has confirmed that every major competition tied to MLS is included.
Included with an Apple TV subscription:
-
All regular-season MLS matches
-
Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
-
MLS All-Star Game
-
Leagues Cup (MLS vs Liga MX)
-
Match replays, highlights, and shoulder programming
For fans, the practical benefit is consistency. One app. One login. Every match.
That matters in 2026 more than ever, because the season itself is unusual.
Read more: Full List of All 30 MLS Teams in 2026: Founding, Owners, Titles, Stars, and Season Outlook
Why MLS chose 2026 to simplify streaming
The timing isn’t accidental.
MLS 2026 runs February 21 to November 7, but includes a long World Cup pause from May 25 to July 16. That means casual fans will drift away during the summer, then return when league play resumes.
MLS wants that return to be friction-free.
By bundling MLS directly into Apple TV:
-
World Cup viewers can sample MLS easily after July
-
New fans don’t hit a paywall maze
-
Marketing becomes simpler: “MLS is on Apple TV”
This is a classic conversion play. MLS is betting that World Cup curiosity turns into weekly habits if watching is easy enough.
Will broadcasts feel different in 2026?
Yes, at least slightly.
Reports indicate MLS and Apple are adjusting parts of their broadcast operation in 2026. That includes changes to studio programming and a reduction in some Spanish-language broadcast staffing.
This does not mean Spanish commentary disappears. Matches will still be available in Spanish. But fans may notice:
-
Fewer studio shows
-
More streamlined pre- and post-game coverage
-
A heavier focus on matches over talk formats
For some viewers, this will feel cleaner. For others, especially bilingual households, it’s something to watch closely as the season unfolds.
Do blackouts or local restrictions return?
No. One of the core promises of the Apple–MLS deal remains intact.
There are no local blackouts. You can watch:
-
Your home team
-
Road matches
-
Late-night West Coast games
-
Early Eastern kickoffs
All from the same platform, anywhere in the US.
That remains one of the strongest selling points of MLS on Apple compared to traditional regional sports networks.
How much does Apple TV cost?
Apple hasn’t announced MLS-specific pricing because there is no MLS-specific tier anymore.
Fans simply pay for Apple TV at its standard subscription price, which also includes:
-
Apple original series and films
-
Other sports and live events Apple carries
For many fans, MLS becomes an added value rather than a standalone expense.
Who benefits most from this change?
This setup clearly favors:
-
Casual fans who only watch some matches
-
New fans coming from the World Cup
-
Families who already use Apple TV
Diehard supporters who previously paid only for MLS Season Pass may end up paying slightly more if they didn’t want Apple TV content. But MLS is prioritizing reach over specialization in 2026.
How to watch MLS 2026, step by step
-
Subscribe to Apple TV
-
Open the Apple TV app on your phone, TV, tablet, or browser
-
Select MLS from the sports hub
-
Watch any match, live or on demand
That’s it.
No team-specific packages. No regional restrictions. No extra checkout screen.
FAQs
Do I need MLS Season Pass in 2026?
No. MLS Season Pass ends after the 2025 season.
Is every MLS match really included?
Yes. Apple says all regular-season matches, playoffs, and major MLS competitions are included.
Can I watch in Spanish?
Yes, Spanish-language match commentary remains available, though some studio coverage may change.
Can I watch outside my local market?
Yes. There are no local blackouts.
Bottom line
MLS 2026 isn’t just a different season on the field. It’s a reset in how the league presents itself to fans.
By folding MLS fully into Apple TV, the league is betting that simplicity beats complexity, especially in a World Cup year. If MLS succeeds in turning curious viewers into regular ones, this media shift may matter as much as anything that happens on the pitch.
