Soccer fans, rejoice! Apple TV is making a game-changing move that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines. Starting next year, all Major League Soccer matches will be accessible to Apple TV subscribers without purchasing an additional subscription.

This shift comes after three years of requiring a separate MLS Season Pass, marking a significant evolution in sports streaming. The move follows Apple’s successful strategy with MLB doubleheaders and their recent acquisition of Formula 1 broadcasting rights.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the United States set to host the World Cup next year and MLS planning a potential calendar shift to align with European soccer seasons in 2027, this accessibility could spark massive growth for the league.

MLS deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson highlighted the organic nature of this transition, noting positive reception from fans during their “Sunday Night Soccer” test runs. The league has already seen impressive viewership, averaging 3.7 million live match viewers weekly – a substantial 29% increase from the previous year.

The global appeal of MLS has skyrocketed, largely thanks to international superstars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min. Messi’s move to Inter Miami and Son’s arrival at LAFC have dramatically expanded the league’s international audience, particularly in South America and Asia.

For existing MLS season ticket holders, there’s an added bonus: complimentary Apple TV subscriptions will replace their previous MLS Season Pass.

This strategic partnership between Apple and MLS represents more than just a broadcasting deal – it’s a bold reimagining of how sports content can be consumed in the streaming era. By removing financial barriers and making top-tier soccer more accessible, they’re potentially converting casual viewers into die-hard fans.

As soccer continues to gain momentum in the United States, this move could be a pivotal moment in the sport’s growing popularity. Soccer enthusiasts and casual viewers alike now have an unprecedented opportunity to dive deep into MLS action.