Up to date November 14 with a report that Apple and MLS have revised their partnership settlement.
In 2022, Apple and Main League Soccer agreed to a giant deal that made Apple TV the streaming supplier for the entire league’s matches (native broadcasters nonetheless provided video games on community TV). Nevertheless, these matches required a paid subscription. That paywall goes away for the upcoming 2026 MLS season, in line with an announcement made by Apple and MLS.
MLS matches subsequent season will merely be a part of a daily Apple TV subscription. An Apple TV subscription is $12.99/£12.99 monthly, or $99 per yr. Beforehand, Apple provided MLS Season Go, which was $14.99 monthly or $99 per yr (an Apple TV subscription was not required).
Whereas the report could appear shocking, the indicators that foretold a change had been obvious. The 2026 MLS playoffs (that are taking place now) will not be behind a paywall on Apple TV. Earlier this yr, reviews acknowledged that MLS commissioner Dan Garber known as Apple “an important expertise accomplice,” however there have been questions on whether or not Apple TV was the very best venue for the league’s efforts to develop its fanbase. Apple and MLS started a ten-year deal that began with the 2023 season.
Sportico reported that the Apple/MLS deal will now finish in 2029, three years sooner than the unique 2032 settlement. MLS commissioner Garber instructed reporters that the contractual modifications are all “very optimistic for us.” Apple pays MLS $858 million for the remaining years of the contract.
The modifications come a month after Apple and Components 1 signed a five-year deal for Apple TV to stream all F1 races. In that deal, practices, qualifying, Dash periods, and Grands Prix can be obtainable to Apple TV subscribers, and choose races and all observe periods can be obtainable without spending a dime within the Apple TV app. F1 TV Premium will proceed to be obtainable within the U.S. by way of an Apple TV subscription just for $17 monthly.