MLS playoff matches will be available to all Apple TV subscribers, eliminating the need for MLS Season Pass.
This move aims to increase viewership and accessibility for a broader audience.
Select playoff games will also be available on Fox Sports (FS1 and Fox Deportes) in the U.S. and TSN and RDS in Canada.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber previously touted a 50% year-over-year increase in viewership, possibly due to increased accessibility initiatives.
Why this matters:: This decision reflects a strategic shift towards broader accessibility, potentially boosting viewership and fan engagement during the most crucial part of the MLS season.
Apple and MLS are working together to try and grow the sport in the US. By removing the requirement to have an MLS Season Pass, they are hoping more casual viewers will tune in to watch stars like Inter Miami MF Lionel Messi, LAFC F Son Heung-Min, and Whitecaps MF Thomas Müller.
The move follows other efforts to increase accessibility, such as making select Sunday Night Soccer matches available outside the Season Pass paywall. While the majority of matches still require a subscription, these steps indicate a willingness to address criticism regarding inaccessibility.
Historical context: Last year's viewership data painted a grim picture, prompting the league to explore ways to reach a wider audience. Commissioner Garber's claim of a 50% viewership increase suggests these efforts are starting to pay off. Making playoff games more accessible could further accelerate this trend.
How to Prepare: If you're an Apple TV subscriber, simply tune in to the MLS playoff matches starting Wednesday. Check local listings for games airing on Fox Sports, TSN, and RDS.
Q: Do I need an MLS Season Pass to watch the playoff games on Apple TV?
No, all Apple TV subscribers will have access to the playoff matches without needing the MLS Season Pass.
Q: Where else can I watch MLS playoff games?
Select games will be available on Fox Sports (FS1 and Fox Deportes) in the U.S. and TSN and RDS in Canada.
Q: When do the MLS playoffs start?
The MLS playoffs begin Wednesday with two Wild Card matches.
MLS playoff matches are now more accessible to a wider audience through Apple TV.
This move could significantly increase viewership and fan engagement during the playoffs.
Keep an eye on Fox Sports, TSN, and RDS for additional broadcast coverage of select games.
What are your predictions for the MLS playoffs? Will this increased accessibility lead to higher viewership? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Rebecca Lowe, a veteran sports anchor with extensive experience in the Olympics and Premier League, steps into the spotlight as FOX Sports' ...
The anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is building, especially for co-hosts USA. With the tournament on home soil, the US Men's Nation...
The football world is abuzz with the inclusion of former Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas in Mexico's national team roster for the up...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area into a vibrant global soccer destination from June...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer