What Football You Can Watch on Apple TV

Apple TV carries Major League Soccer (MLS) matches through the MLS Season Pass, a subscription within the Apple TV app that costs extra beyond any Apple TV+ subscription you may have. You can also watch some NFL games through the NFL+ subscription service, which is available on Apple TV but is a separate purchase. Apple TV does not carry college football, the full NFL regular season, or international soccer leagues as native apps — though you may be able to access some of these through cable provider apps if you have a cable subscription.

The specific games available depend on which subscription service you purchase. MLS Season Pass shows most regular-season matches and playoff games. NFL+ shows select Thursday Night Football games, some playoff games, and full access to NFL Game Pass content, but does not include all Sunday or Monday night games. If you want to watch games that air on ESPN, Fox, or NBC, you will need those networks' apps or a cable login.

Key Takeaways

  • MLS Season Pass is the main football option on Apple TV, showing most Major League Soccer regular-season and playoff matches for a separate monthly or annual fee.
  • NFL+ is available through Apple TV but is a separate subscription that shows select NFL games, not the complete broadcast schedule.
  • Games that air on traditional networks like ESPN, Fox, or NBC require those networks' apps or a cable provider login, not Apple TV itself.
  • You can watch MLS and NFL content on Apple TV devices, iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers using the same subscription.

How to Find and Subscribe to MLS Season Pass

Open the Apple TV app on your device and search for "MLS Season Pass" in the search bar. Tap the result and select "Subscribe" — you will be taken through a payment screen where you can choose a monthly or annual plan. The subscription renews automatically each month or year depending on which you chose, and you can cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings under Subscriptions.

Once you subscribe, MLS matches appear in the Apple TV app's sports section and in search results. You can set reminders for upcoming games, and the app will notify you when a match you follow is about to start. If you have multiple people in your household, anyone with access to your Apple ID can watch the same subscription on their own device.

How to Find and Subscribe to NFL+

Search for "NFL+" in the Apple TV app and tap the result. Select "Subscribe" and choose your plan — NFL+ offers monthly and annual options. You will complete payment through your Apple ID. Like MLS Season Pass, NFL+ renews automatically and you can cancel in your Apple ID settings.

NFL+ shows Thursday Night Football games, select playoff games, and full access to NFL Game Pass, which includes replays of past seasons and condensed game versions. It does not include Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, or most regular-season games that air on broadcast networks. If you want those games, you will need the ESPN, Fox, or NBC apps with a cable login or a separate cable subscription.

Watching Games Through Network Apps

If a football game airs on ESPN, Fox, NBC, or CBS, you can watch it through those networks' apps on Apple TV instead of through Apple TV itself. read the ESPN app, Fox Sports app, NBC Sports app, or CBS Sports app from the Apple TV App Store. Open the app and sign in with your cable provider account — the app will ask which provider you use, and you enter your cable username and password.

Once you are signed in, you can watch live games and replays for free through the app. If you do not have a cable subscription, some networks offer limited free content, but most live games require a cable login. Check the network's website to see which games are available without a cable account.

What Devices You Can Use

You can watch MLS Season Pass and NFL+ on any Apple device: Apple TV boxes (all current models), iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. You can also watch on some Samsung and LG smart TVs that have the Apple TV app built in. If your TV does not have the Apple TV app, you can connect an Apple TV box to it, or use an iPhone or iPad and connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable or AirPlay.

Your subscriptions follow your Apple ID, so if you sign in on multiple devices, you can watch on any of them. If you share your Apple ID with family members, they can watch on their own devices without needing separate subscriptions.

Common Reasons You Cannot Find a Game

If you search for a specific game and cannot find it, the most common reason is that it airs on a network app instead of through Apple TV directly. Check which network is broadcasting the game — if it is ESPN, Fox, NBC, or CBS, open that network's app instead. Another reason is that the game may not be available in your region; some MLS and NFL games have blackout restrictions that prevent them from streaming in certain areas.

If you have an MLS Season Pass or NFL+ subscription but still cannot find a game that should be included, check that you are signed into the correct Apple ID in the Apple TV app settings. Go to Settings, scroll to Accounts, and confirm your Apple ID is the one you used to purchase the subscription. If the game is listed as "coming soon," it may not have started streaming yet — live games usually become available 15 to 30 minutes before kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Apple TV+ to watch football on Apple TV?

No. Apple TV+ is a separate subscription from MLS Season Pass and NFL+. You can purchase MLS Season Pass or NFL+ without having Apple TV+. However, some Apple TV+ subscribers may have access to certain sports content depending on their plan, so check your Apple TV+ app to see what is included.

Can I watch football games for free on Apple TV?

Some free content is available through network apps like ESPN and Fox Sports if you sign in with a cable provider account. MLS Season Pass and NFL+ both require paid subscriptions. Check the network apps to see which games they offer free with a cable login.

What if my cable provider is not listed in the network app?

If your provider does not appear in the list, contact your cable company's customer service to confirm they offer streaming access. Some smaller regional providers may not be listed. You may also be able to purchase the game directly through the network's website or app without a cable login, though this usually costs extra per game.

Can I watch replays of games I missed?

Yes. MLS Season Pass includes replays of matches, usually available within a few hours of the game ending. NFL+ includes full replays and condensed versions of games. Network apps like ESPN and Fox Sports also offer replays, though availability varies by network and may require a cable login.

Will the app notify me when my favorite team is playing?

Yes. In the Apple TV app, you can set reminders for specific teams or games. The app will send you a notification before the game starts. This works for both MLS Season Pass and NFL+ subscriptions.