MLS and Apple Change up their TV Streaming Deal to Improve Position

MLS will no longer be a separate package, and news of an amended deal

New York, NY- After Major League Soccer announced they were changing their Competition Calendar to the International Calendar, they also made other news by fixing their streaming deal with Apple TV. From the 2026 season, MLS will no longer have its own channel called Season Pass, as it will be a part of the platform full-time, and the current deal has been amended.

MLS Season Pass is dead

Alex Silverman of the Sports Business Journal has learned that MLS will no longer have its Season Pass as a separate entity; it will be a part of the main service page on the platform. The move is to help make MLS more accessible to a broader audience, including those who are already subscribed to the service, unlike being forced to pay a separate fee for the soon-to-be-defunct MLS Season Pass.

All matches will be on the main Apple TV page

Starting next season, all matches involving the MLS regular season, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup, and MLS Next Pro will be on the main platform. And when the League moves toward the new competition schedule, they will show the short season, then the new International Calendar season for 2027-28.

Amending the Broadcast Deal with Apple TV

Eben Novy Williams & Jacob Feldman of Sportico have jointly reported that both the league and Apple have amended their deal. Instead of ending it at 2032, they will now end the deal three and a half years earlier in 2029.

What the money looks like

Apple is still paying MLS $200 million for the 2026 season. Then, for the short sprint schedule, the league will receive $107.5 million, and then for the new seasons, Apple will pay the League $275 million for the last two seasons of the new amended deal. This situation means that Apple TV will now drop its opt-out clause.

Personal thoughts

Major League Soccer finally learned that the price point of MLS Season Pass was too expensive and has now made the necessary changes with Apple to make it better for their fanbase. Making it better and simpler to access the games and programs so they can be successful with this current deal and the structure of it.

MLS News:

• MLS Officially Changes its Competition Calendar toward the International Calendar
• CONCACAF Announces Draw and Setup of 2026 Champions Cup
• NYCFC’s Andrés Perea Undergoes Surgery for Leg Fracture, Out for Crucial Philadelphia Union Playoff Clash

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