MLS games head to Apple TV in 2026 as Season Pass subscription ends

Core Insights - Major League Soccer (MLS) will transition all its matches to Apple TV starting in the 2026 season, marking a significant shift in both the league's and Apple's media strategy [1][2] - The previous separate subscription service, Season Pass, will be discontinued as part of this move [1][2] Group 1: Media Rights Deal - Apple and MLS signed a 10-year media rights deal in 2022, making Apple the exclusive global home for MLS [2] - Initially, Apple launched Season Pass as a separate subscription for MLS games rather than integrating them into its main streaming service [2][3] Group 2: Season Pass Performance - Season Pass, launched in 2023, costs $14.99 per month, compared to $12.99 for a standard Apple TV subscription [3] - MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson noted that the concept of having all matches available in one place was well-received, indicating positive initial reactions to Season Pass [3][4] Group 3: Strategic Shift to Apple TV - Conversations about moving MLS games to Apple TV began as the platform grew, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for the transition [4] - The focus of the deal has been on improving distribution and accessibility for fans rather than extensive renegotiation of terms [5] Group 4: Broader Sports Strategy - Apple has been actively adding sports content to its platform, including a recent five-year exclusive deal with Formula 1 for $140 million annually [6] - The fragmentation of sports viewing has led to a need for a more unified subscription model, as highlighted by Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue [7] Group 5: Growth of Soccer in the U.S. - MLS has seen increased popularity, particularly with the arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF [10][11] - The league aims to capitalize on the growing interest in soccer in the U.S., especially with the upcoming World Cup in North America [10]