Apple Broadens Apple TV Subscriber Access to MLS Playoff Matches with No Additional Charge

MLS Playoffs Expand accessibility: Apple TV+ Offers full coverage

New York, NY – October 20, 2025 – Major League Soccer has announced that all Apple TV+ subscribers will have access to the entirety of the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs, a move designed to substantially expand the audience for the championship series. This extends beyond those who specifically subscribe to the MLS Season Pass, aligning with a broader strategy to make more matches accessible to a wider range of viewers.

Regular Season Concludes, Playoff Field Set

The regular season culminated yesterday with a series of decisive matches. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake secured their playoff positions on the final day, displacing the Earthquakes and Rapids. The 18-team playoff bracket includes prominent players such as Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who led the league in both goals and assists, LAFC Forward Soung-MI, and Whitecaps Midfielder Thomas Müller.

Playoff Format and Broadcast Details

The MLS cup Playoffs commence this Wednesday with two Wild Card contests (the eighth-placed team versus the ninth-placed team in each conference). Round One, a best-of-three series, is scheduled to begin Friday. This marks the League’s third season implementing this specific playoff structure,which transitions to single-elimination rounds following the initial stage.The MLS Cup final is slated for December 6.

Beyond Apple TV and MLS Season Pass, select playoff matches will also be broadcast on Fox Sports (FS1 and Fox Deportes) within the United States, and on TSN and RDS in Canada. The highly anticipated MLS Cup will air nationally on the flagship Fox broadcast network.

Key Matchups

Conference	Round	Matchup
Eastern	Wild Card	Chicago Fire FC vs. Orlando City
	Round One	Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago or Orlando
	Round One	FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
	Round One	Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC
	Round one	Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC
Western	Wild Card	Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
	Round One	San Diego FC vs. portland or Salt Lake
	Round One	Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. FC Dallas
	Round One	LAFC vs.Austin FC
	Round one	Minnesota United FC vs. Seattle sounders FC

Did You Know? The MLS has seen a steady increase in viewership over the past decade, driven by the influx of international stars and a growing domestic fan base.

Pro Tip: Download the Apple TV app prior to the start of the playoffs to ensure a seamless viewing experience.

This expanded broadcast strategy reflects a broader trend in sports media, where leagues are increasingly prioritizing accessibility to maximize fan engagement. Are you excited to watch the MLS Playoffs on Apple TV+?

How will this expanded access impact the league’s overall viewership and revenue?

The Evolving Landscape of sports Broadcasting

The shift to make MLS playoff games available to all apple TV+ subscribers is part of a growing trend in sports broadcasting. Leagues and teams are recognizing the value of reaching wider audiences thru streaming services and partnerships with tech companies. This move allows them to tap into new revenue streams and build stronger relationships with fans. In 2024, the NFL secured a long-term streaming deal with Peacock, demonstrating the growing appeal of digital platforms for live sports content.

Frequently Asked Questions about the MLS Playoffs

Share your predictions for the MLS Cup Playoffs in the comments below! Let’s discuss the potential champions and standout performances.

how dose this change impact existing MLS Season Pass subscribers?

Expanded MLS Playoff Coverage on Apple TV+

Apple has announced a significant benefit for Apple TV+ subscribers: expanded access to Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff matches at no extra cost. This move builds upon Apple’s existing partnership with MLS, offering fans more ways to experiance the excitement of postseason soccer. Previously, some playoff games required a separate MLS Season pass subscription in addition to Apple TV+. Now, a standard Apple TV+ subscription unlocks a wider range of MLS playoff content.

What’s Included in the Expanded Access?

The expanded access encompasses a substantial portion of the MLS playoff schedule. here’s a breakdown of what Apple TV+ subscribers can expect:

* All Conference Semifinal and Conference Final Matches: Every game from these crucial stages of the playoffs will be available to stream on apple TV+.

* Select Round one Playoff Matches: A curated selection of Round One matches will also be included, providing early-round playoff action for subscribers.

* Continued Access to MLS Season Pass Content: Subscribers to MLS season Pass will still have access to every live MLS match,including those also available on Apple TV+. This provides a tiered viewing experience.

* 4K HDR Streaming: Many of the playoff matches will be available in stunning 4K High Dynamic Range, enhancing the viewing experience for those with compatible devices.

How to Watch MLS Playoffs on Apple TV+

Accessing the MLS playoff matches is straightforward for Apple TV+ subscribers:

1. Open the Apple TV App: Launch the Apple TV app on your preferred device (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, smart TVs).
2. Navigate to the MLS Section: Look for the dedicated MLS hub within the app.
3. Select the Match: Browse the available playoff matches and select the game you want to watch.
4. Start Streaming: Simply click play to begin streaming the match live.

The Impact of Apple’s MLS Partnership

Apple’s 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS, launched in early 2023, has fundamentally changed how fans consume MLS content. The partnership aimed to elevate the league’s profile globally and provide a more comprehensive streaming experience. This latest move to broaden access to playoff matches is a direct continuation of that goal.

* Increased Viewership: By removing paywalls for key playoff games, Apple is likely to see a significant increase in viewership.

* Subscriber Growth: The enhanced value proposition of Apple TV+ could attract new subscribers,especially soccer fans.

* Global Reach: Apple’s platform provides MLS with unprecedented global reach, exposing the league to a wider audience.

MLS Season Pass: Still a Valuable Option

While Apple TV+ now offers more playoff access, the MLS Season Pass remains a compelling option for dedicated MLS fans. The season Pass provides:

* Every Live MLS Match: Uninterrupted access to all regular season and playoff games.

* Exclusive Content: Behind-the-scenes footage, highlights, and analysis.

* Ad-Free Viewing: Enjoy matches without commercial interruptions.

* MLS 360: Select matches are available with a multi-angle 360° replay feature.

Real-World Example: Fan Response to Initial Apple TV/MLS Integration

Initial reactions to Apple’s takeover of MLS broadcasting were mixed. Some fans expressed frustration with the fragmentation of broadcasts, requiring both Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass for full access. However, Apple has actively responded to feedback, continually refining the viewing experience and expanding content availability. This latest move regarding playoff access demonstrates a commitment to addressing those concerns and improving the value for subscribers.

Benefits for soccer Fans

This expanded access to MLS playoff matches offers several key benefits for soccer fans:

* Cost Savings: No need to purchase an additional subscription to watch crucial playoff games.

* Convenience: All your MLS viewing in one place – the Apple TV app.

* Enhanced Viewing Experience: High-quality streaming with 4K HDR options.

* Increased Accessibility: Easier access to MLS content for a wider range of fans.

Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Viewing Experience

* Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and high-speed internet connection for optimal streaming quality.

* Update Your Apple TV App: Keep the Apple TV app updated to the latest version for the best performance and features.

* Use a Compatible Device: Utilize a device that supports 4K HDR streaming for the most immersive viewing experience.

* Explore the apple TV App: familiarize yourself with the Apple TV app’s features and settings to customize your viewing preferences.