American Football Takes Over Every Screen: Apple Streams MLS Playoffs for Free!
Apple and MLS Surprise Fans: Playoff Matches Free for All Apple TV Subscribers
In a surprising move with broad implications for the sports streaming industry, Apple and the Major League Soccer (MLS) have announced that all playoff matches this season will be available to all Apple TV subscribers, without requiring the additional MLS Season Pass subscription.
Expanding Access for American Football Fans
American Football
The new decision aims to attract a broader audience after previous complaints that the dual subscription model (Apple TV + Season Pass) limited match visibility. Observers say the move reflects Apple’s strategy to expand its sports audience while balancing premium and free access.
Top Teams and Players in the Playoffs
The regular season concluded yesterday, with Real Salt Lake and Dallas clinching last-minute playoff spots. This year’s bracket features major international stars such as Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps).
The Wild Card matches kick off on Wednesday, followed by the Best-of-3 Round One on Friday, before transitioning to single-elimination rounds leading up to the MLS Cup Final on December 6, 2025.
Integrated Broadcast Partnerships: Apple, Fox, and TSN
In addition to Apple TV and MLS Season Pass, select playoff games will air on Fox Sports in the U.S. and on TSN and RDS in Canada. The MLS Cup Final will be broadcast on Fox’s main network channel.
Signs Point to the Future of Season Pass
Analysts suggest this move could signal the eventual discontinuation of Season Pass, especially after Apple announced that starting in 2026, all Formula 1 races in the U.S. will stream within the standard Apple TV subscription at no extra cost.
Experts believe removing the “second paywall” could boost viewership significantly, as fans currently pay around $99 per year for the Season Pass. Apple may offset this through increased advertising and sponsorships during live broadcasts.
Strategic Shifts in the Sports Streaming Market
Apple’s deal with MLS is valued at approximately $250 million annually for global broadcast rights, compared to $150 million for Formula 1 rights in the U.S. As the trend toward merging entertainment and live sports grows, this move may mark a major shift in the subscription model for digital sports platforms.
