Apple is trying to attract new subscribers to its American soccer offering. A Report of the sports journal Sportsbusinessjournal.com according to the report, Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff matches, the viewing of which Apple actually sells as a paid add-on, are to be offered free of charge to regular Apple TV subscribers (formerly: Apple TV+). There are apparently a total of ten games – five each from the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference of the league. In addition to US teams, teams from Canada are also involved.
18 teams will play for the MLS Cup 2025
What is particularly interesting about the MLS for European football fans is that well-known greats from local leagues as well as international national teams play their last years here until the end of their careers. For example, ex-Bayern player Thomas Müller came to the MLS (now Vancouver Whitecaps), as did (until 2012) David Beckham (LA Galaxy) or Lionel Messi (Inter Miami). The MLS playoffs start on October 22, Wednesday.
The Audi-sponsored series is the post-season competition that is held in the fall and winter (usually until December). Last year, LA Galaxy was the winner, and in 2025, 18 teams from the league will participate. The highlight is the MLS Cup 2025 on December 6.
MLS Season Pass otherwise subject to a fee
In Apple’s TV app, game previews can already be found that can be viewed directly. The league hopes to gain more users with the free playoffs. The regular “Season Pass” is currently available for a one-time fee of 49 euros, while the regular season costs twice as much. If you have an Apple TV subscription, you pay 39 euros. The monthly price is 14.99 euros or 12.99 euros (with Apple TV subscription). Day passes are not available at this time. The MLS Season Pass includes every single game, so significantly more games than the playoffs.
Apple continues to try to find more users in the sports sector. Most recently, the iPhone company announced that it had acquired the Formula 1 rights for the United States. This is an exclusive offer – as with MLS, it is likely to be partly fee-based for Apple TV subscribers, at least if you want additional features such as Multiview. In addition to the Grand Prix, Apple streams free practice, qualifying and the sprint races as part of the existing Apple TV subscription.
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