Apple unleashes MLS Season Pass to Apple TV apps worldwide
All the football action on any Apple device with a screen
As speculation of sports features in its AR glasses blooms, Apple has kicked off its ten-year coverage of Major League Soccer (MLS) with free on demand shows and the global launch of its new subscription based MLS Season Pass.
Perhaps we’ll finally learn the offside rule?
The 2023 season begins later this month and the service will offer MLS and Leagues Cup matches, and hundreds of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT games. The service is available in over 100 countries and regions and Apple is making a big collection of free on-demand shows available.
When the games begin Feb 25, the pass will offer every live match, the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup all in one place, with consistent match times and no blackouts.
There will be pre- and post-game shows, and a five hour live show capturing action as ti happens across the league.
As the season goes on, MLS Season Pass will feature weekly shows, match-winning goals, great saves, and other highlights from the week — all curated to highlight the best of the action across the entire league.
Anyone with any device that runs Apple’s TV app will be able to access this content.
All this and more, check for info
Fans can visit mlssoccer.com/schedule to see the full 2023 MLS season schedule, including which matches are available for free on the Apple TV app during the first month. Additional free matches will be added regularly throughout the season.
[Also read: Apple may kick off bidding for Premiership football rights]
Free content includes:
- Content from MLS clubs,
- 2023 player profiles,
- League and club highlights from the 2022 season,
- Full replays of classic matches,
- Documentary-style vignettes.
Apple has also put together a range of additional features including dedicated club pages, notifications of when your favorite team is about to play, live matches, match previews, and other key club content, including interviews and replays.
Fans will also find a schedule of all matches for their club, and enjoy featured stories and highlights that are updated regularly. And in an Apple Music tie-in you’ll also get team-created music playlists.
There’s even Maps integration, including custom-designed three-dimensional landmarks of MLS Stadiums in time for the season openers, including Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey; Lumen Field in Seattle; and Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
A decade of soccer is coming with Apple TV
What the footballers say
Mark-Anthony Kaye, Toronto FC’s midfielder said in a statement “… it’s a good feeling to know that the league understands these issues and has done a really good job to put a deal together that can put us in a better position to bring MLS to the world. I’ve only been in the league for six years, but the amount of growth is mind-blowing. So I think this is only scratching the surface with this Apple deal, and I’m really happy that they’ve done it.”
“Having accessibility is huge for the sport. It’s going to help grow MLS not only domestically, but internationally. You’ll have eyes all over watching our games,” said Kellyn Acosta, Los Angeles Football Club’s midfielder.
“We talk about how we want the league to continue to grow and bridge the gap in comparison with other leagues, and I think having this Apple partnership is a step in the right direction. Leading into the World Cup in 2026, you want to build momentum and gain more exposure, and I think this partnership is going to truly be beautiful. I know my family is excited to have all the games in one place, and I think it’s going to be huge for the league and for the sport in the US.”
What does it cost?
- Fans can subscribe to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app for $14.99 per month during the season or $99 per season.
- Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up at a special price of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.
- A subscription to MLS Season Pass will be included with each full-season ticket account.
- Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share the subscription using their own Apple ID and password.
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