Apple TV adds free MLS access for all subscribers as season kicks off

Starting this week, Apple TV has eliminated the paywall for Major League Soccer content, making every match of the 2026 season available to all subscribers at no extra cost. This significant shift removes the previously required MLS Season Pass subscription, which carried a separate $14.99/month fee during the 2025 season.

The change takes effect immediately ahead of the season kickoff on February 21, when subscribers worldwide gain access to all regular-season matches, playoffs, and the MLS Cup through the Apple TV app. Unlike regional sports blackouts common with traditional broadcasts, Apple TV provides global access to every game regardless of location.

Technical specifications confirm matches will stream in up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, with optional 4K HDR available for select matchups. The service includes multilingual commentary options and integrates with Apple's ecosystem features like Picture-in-Picture mode on iOS devices and Multiview for watching up to four games simultaneously on Apple TV hardware.

This strategic move aligns with Apple TV's broader sports expansion, which includes Formula 1 racing coming to the platform next month. By bundling MLS into the base $12.99/month subscription, Apple strengthens its ecosystem lock-in strategy while potentially increasing MLS viewership. Early data suggests the decision could expand Apple TV's appeal in soccer-centric markets like Latin America and Europe.

Ahead of the opening matches, Apple released a new promotional spot highlighting enhanced camera angles and data overlays exclusive to their broadcasts. The production upgrades aim to differentiate the viewing experience from traditional sports networks.

For subscribers, the change appears automatically in the Apple TV app—no additional activation required. Those accessing through third-party devices should ensure they're running tvOS 17.3 or later, iOS 16.4 or newer on mobile, or the latest Apple TV app version on streaming platforms like Roku and Fire TV.

Does bundled MLS access increase the value proposition of Apple TV for your household? Share your perspective on how this impacts your sports viewing habits.