MLS open to Apple TV subscribers without additional charges from 2026

NEW YORK, Nov 14 (AFP): MLS and Apple TV announced on Thursday that beginning in 2026, league matches will be available to subscribers of the streaming service without the additional purchase of the MLS Season Pass package.

The move comes after the league announced that this year's MLS Cup playoffs would be available to all Apple TV subscribers.

Apple TV acquired the exclusive global broadcasting rights for the MLS in 2022 through a decade-long agreement valued at approximately $2.5 billion.

The platform began streaming the league in 2023, the year it gained global attention with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami.

MLS and Apple are eyeing a growth in interest in football as the United States co-hosts the World Cup with Mexico and Canada next year.

In addition to the MLS regular season and playoffs, Apple TV will also offer the Leagues Cup, the annual joint tournament between MLS and Mexican league clubs, as well as the All-Star Game and other special events.

MLS TO ALIGN CALENDAR WITH WORLD'S TOP FOOTBALL LEAGUES

MLS will also change its competition schedule in 2027 to align with the world's top football leagues in a decision commissioner Don Garber Thursday called one of the most important in the history of the 30-year-old league.

The North American league currently runs from late February through early December, including the regular season and the MLS Cup playoffs.

The change will see the season kick off in mid-July and run through May, with a winter break from mid-December to February.

"Today our owners made a decision that I think is one of the most important decisions in our league's history," Garber said during a virtual press conference after the MLS board of governors approved the change at its meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.

Garber said the shift will strengthen MLS clubs' global competitiveness and create better opportunities in the transfer market. "It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America," Garber said.