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 an enormous deal that made Apple TV the streaming supplier for the entire league’s matches (native broadcasters nonetheless provided video games on community TV). Nonetheless, these matches required a paid subscription. That paywall goes away for the upcoming 2026 MLS season, based on an announcement made by Apple and MLS.
MLS matches subsequent season will merely be a part of an everyday Apple TV subscription. An Apple TV subscription is $12.99/£12.99 per 30 days, or $99 per yr. Beforehand, Apple provided MLS Season Cross, which was $14.99 per 30 days or $99 per yr (an Apple TV subscription was not required).
Whereas the report could appear shocking, the indicators that foretold a change have been obvious. The 2026 MLS playoffs (that are occurring now) are usually not behind a paywall on Apple TV. Earlier this yr, stories acknowledged that MLS commissioner Dan Garber referred to as Apple “an important know-how accomplice,” however there have been questions on whether or not Apple TV was the very best venue for the league’s efforts to increase 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 informed reporters that the contractual adjustments are all “very constructive for us.” Apple pays MLS $858 million for the remaining years of the contract.
The adjustments 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 classes, and Grands Prix shall be accessible to Apple TV subscribers, and choose races and all observe classes shall be accessible without cost within the Apple TV app. F1 TV Premium will proceed to be accessible within the U.S. by way of an Apple TV subscription just for $17 per 30 days.
