MLS matches are on Apple TV+ through a subscription service called MLS Season Pass

Major League Soccer games moved to Apple TV+ in 2023. Most regular-season matches, playoffs, and the MLS Cup are now broadcast exclusively through Apple's streaming platform. You cannot watch them on cable or traditional sports channels anymore. To watch, you need an Apple TV+ subscription and, in most cases, an MLS Season Pass add-on.

The setup is straightforward: you subscribe to Apple TV+, then add MLS Season Pass as a separate monthly or annual subscription. Some matches are included with a base Apple TV+ subscription, but the majority require the Season Pass. The cost and what you get depends on which subscription tier you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Most MLS matches require both an Apple TV+ subscription and an MLS Season Pass add-on, though a small number of games air free on Apple TV+.
  • You can watch on any device that runs Apple TV+ — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV hardware, Roku, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, and others.
  • MLS Season Pass costs vary by region; check your country's Apple TV+ store for current pricing before you subscribe.
  • You need an Apple ID to create an account, and you can share your subscription with family members through Apple's Family Sharing feature.

What subscription tiers include MLS matches

Apple TV+ offers a base subscription that includes a limited number of MLS matches at no extra cost. These are usually marquee games — high-profile matchups or playoff games — but they make up only a small fraction of the season. If you want to watch your team's full schedule, you need to add MLS Season Pass.

MLS Season Pass is a separate add-on subscription available only to people who already have Apple TV+. It gives you access to nearly every regular-season match, playoff games, and the MLS Cup final. Some regional blackout rules may explore depending on where you live, but these are rare and usually only affect local broadcasts in specific markets.

Pricing for both Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass varies by country and changes periodically. In the United States, Apple TV+ starts at a lower price point, and MLS Season Pass has its own monthly and annual rates. Check your country's Apple TV+ store directly to see current costs before you commit.

How to set up your account and subscribe

Start by creating or signing into an Apple ID. This is the account you use for the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services. If you already use any Apple device or service, you likely have one. Go to the Apple TV+ website or open the Apple TV app on your device and select "Sign Up" or "Subscribe."

Once you have Apple TV+, navigate to the MLS section within the app. You will see an option to add MLS Season Pass. Select it and follow the prompts to complete the purchase. Your payment method will be the same one linked to your Apple ID, and the subscription will renew automatically each month or year depending on which plan you chose.

If you use Family Sharing, the primary account holder can set up the subscription, and other family members can watch using their own Apple IDs on shared devices or their own devices. Each person in the family group can access the content as long as the subscription remains active.

Which devices let you watch MLS on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ works on a wide range of devices, not just Apple hardware. You can watch on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV boxes. You can also watch on non-Apple devices including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, and many others. The app is available in the app store for each platform.

To watch on a smart TV, read the Apple TV app from your TV's app store, sign in with your Apple ID, and start streaming. On phones and tablets, read the Apple TV app, sign in, and select a match. On a Mac, you can use the Apple TV app or visit tv.apple.com in a web browser.

Picture quality depends on your internet connection and the device you are using. Apple TV+ streams in 4K on compatible devices if your internet speed supports it, but standard HD is the default on most connections. Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or has a strong cellular signal for uninterrupted viewing.

How to find and watch a specific match

Open the Apple TV app and look for the MLS section or search for your team by name. The app displays upcoming matches, recent games, and highlights. Each match listing shows the date, time, and teams playing. If you have MLS Season Pass, you can watch live or on demand after the match airs.

Set reminders for matches you do not want to miss. Most apps let you tap a bell icon next to a game to get a notification before it starts. This is useful if you are in a different time zone or have a busy schedule.

If a match is blacked out in your region, the app will tell you why and may offer an alternative way to watch. Blackouts are uncommon but can happen for local broadcast agreements. In those cases, you may be able to watch highlights or a replay after the blackout period ends.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you cannot find MLS matches in the app, make sure you are signed into the correct Apple ID and that your subscription is active. Go to your account settings and check your subscriptions. If MLS Season Pass shows as expired or cancelled, renew it when ready to restore access.

If a match will not play or keeps stopping, restart the app and check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal or network congestion can cause buffering. Try moving closer to your router or switching to a wired connection if you are on a computer. If the problem persists, restart your device and try again.

If you are having trouble signing in, make sure you are using the correct Apple ID password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" option on the Apple ID sign-in screen. You will receive an email with instructions to reset it. If you still cannot access your account, contact Apple Support directly.

How to cancel or change your subscription

You can cancel MLS Season Pass at any time without affecting your Apple TV+ subscription. Go to your account settings, find "Subscriptions," and select MLS Season Pass. Choose "Cancel Subscription" and confirm. You will keep access until the end of your current billing period, then it will stop renewing.

If you want to downgrade from an annual plan to a monthly plan, or vice versa, you can change your plan type in the same settings menu. The change takes effect at your next billing date. If you cancel Apple TV+ entirely, you will lose access to both the base service and any add-ons like MLS Season Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch MLS matches without Apple TV+?

No. You must have an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch any MLS content, including the free matches. A small number of games air free on Apple TV+, but you still need the base subscription to access them. MLS Season Pass requires Apple TV+ as well.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch MLS on Apple TV+?

No. Apple TV+ is a standalone streaming service. You do not need cable, satellite, or any other TV service. You only need an internet connection and an Apple ID.

Can I share my MLS Season Pass with someone outside my household?

Apple TV+ subscriptions are meant for members of the same household. If you use Family Sharing, people in your family group can watch on their own devices. Sharing your login with people outside your household violates Apple's terms of service.

What happens if I travel outside my country?

Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass are region-specific. If you travel, you can usually watch on your device using your existing subscription, but some content may be unavailable depending on local licensing agreements. Blackout rules may explore in certain regions.

Can I watch MLS matches on demand, or only live?

You can watch both live and on demand. Matches are available to stream after they air, so you can catch up if you miss the live broadcast. Highlights and replays are also available through the app.