Apple to End MLS Season Pass Service in 2026
In a significant development for Major League Soccer (MLS) fans, Apple has announced that it will be discontinuing its MLS Season Pass streaming service starting with the 2026 season. This decision marks the end of a notable era in sports streaming, as Apple TV+ held exclusive rights to broadcast MLS games since the launch of the Season Pass in 2023.
The MLS Season Pass Journey
The MLS Season Pass was launched in 2023 as part of a groundbreaking partnership between Major League Soccer and Apple. This deal made Apple TV+ the exclusive streaming home for all MLS matches, offering fans an all-access pass to watch every game live and on-demand. The service was seen as a major win for MLS, as it introduced the sport to a global audience through Apple’s extensive platform.
However, despite initial excitement and the innovative approach to live sports streaming, the Season Pass service has not met all of the expectations set by stakeholders on either side. Challenges related to subscriber growth, pricing, and the overall user experience have been cited as factors in the decision to end the service.
Reasons Behind Apple’s Decision
Sources close to the matter have indicated that Apple plans to scrap the MLS Season Pass service due to strategic reassessments of its sports content offerings. The company aims to focus its resources on projects that align better with its long-term goals and where it sees more growth potential.
Another contributing factor is the competitive landscape of sports streaming, which has grown increasingly crowded with multiple platforms vying for exclusive sports rights and audience share. Apple’s MLS Season Pass, although innovative, may not have achieved the market penetration that Apple initially anticipated.
MLS’s Future Broadcast Plans
With Apple ending the Season Pass service in 2026, MLS is expected to explore alternative broadcasting and streaming arrangements to ensure fans continue to have access to games. This could involve returning some broadcasting rights to traditional networks or partnering with other streaming platforms to distribute the matches.
MLS officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the future distribution of their games, but industry analysts expect that MLS will aggressively pursue new broadcast partnerships to maintain and grow its fanbase.
Impact on Fans and Subscribers
The termination of the MLS Season Pass will undoubtedly affect current subscribers who rely on the platform for live MLS content. Apple has not yet disclosed detailed plans on how it will handle active Season Pass subscriptions and whether there will be any refunds or migration assistance.
Fans are advised to stay tuned for official communications from both Apple and MLS in the coming months for guidance on how to access MLS content starting in the 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
This development signals a shift in how sports content may be streamed and broadcast in the future, highlighting the dynamic and often volatile nature of sports media rights in the digital age. MLS will likely continue to expand its reach globally but may do so through a more diversified and flexible distribution strategy following the conclusion of its exclusive Apple deal.
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