Apple and Comcast partner to make Major League Soccer matches easier to watch

Core Points - Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple have expanded the availability of the MLS Season Pass to traditional cable and satellite TV subscribers, including Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV, allowing for easier access to games [2][6] - The pricing for the MLS Season Pass remains unchanged from the previous year, with options of $99 annually or $14.99 monthly, and discounted rates for existing Apple TV+ subscribers [8] - T-Mobile customers can access the MLS Season Pass for free for the entire year starting February 18, 2025, through a coupon in the T-Life app [9] Distribution and Access - Comcast subscribers can sign up for the MLS package directly through X1 boxes, integrating games into their existing sports schedules and channel guides [3][4] - DirecTV subscribers will see MLS games on specific TV channels (480-495) and can also connect to the Apple TV app for additional viewing options [6] - A free trial of the MLS Season Pass will be available for Comcast and DirecTV subscribers from February 22 to March 1, covering the first two weekends of the season [4][6] Production Changes - Some games will be called remotely from studios rather than on-site, although the majority will still be produced on-site [13][15] - The production facilities have moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with remote broadcasting capabilities [14] - Executives from MLS and Apple expressed optimism about audience growth and the effectiveness of new distribution partnerships, despite not providing specific audience numbers [11][12] Game Scheduling - MLS has expanded its scheduling of Sunday games in exclusive windows to enhance promotion, with these games available on Apple TV+ as well [10]