Apple MLS Season Pass details released

The new decade-long broadcast partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer officially launched Wednesday, February 1. As teased throughout the offseason, MLS Season Pass, coined an “unprecedented streaming service,” will make MLS matches and special features more accessible via the Apple TV app. While the deal favors current fans and season ticket holders, it may come at a price for those accustomed to getting local broadcasts.

The offseason pitch for MLS Season Pass was great: “Fans can watch all MLS and Leagues Cup matches, as well as hundreds of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT games— all with no blackouts.” According to information released to media ahead of Wednesday’s launch, fans will even be able to view some special content for free prior to the start of the season:

To get ready for the 2023 Major League Soccer season, fans can enjoy a wide variety of on-demand content that celebrates the action, excitement, and distinct culture of MLS, including content from MLS clubs, 2023 player profiles, the best league and club highlights from the 2022 season, full replays of classic matches, and documentary-style vignettes. The majority of this on-demand content is available for free for fans to enjoy before the season starts on February 25.

Courtesy of Apple

Fans who were hoping for improved parity in coverage are in luck. The deal boasts a “world-class team of broadcast talent, consistent match times on Saturdays and a few select Wednesdays, improved production quality.” This prospect was widely praised in the offseason and keeps a number of regional broadcast talent on our screens or in our headphones despite the demise of local broadcasting.

Did you only click on this story for the cost? In pro/con form:

• Cons: Subscriptions will be $14.99 per month or $99 per season. Current Apple TV+ subscribers aren’t off the hook — You can add MLS Season Pass for $12.99 per month or $79 per season (a savings of $2 per month or $20 per year).
• Pros: “A subscription to MLS Season Pass will be included with each full-season ticket account” and “through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share the subscription using their own Apple ID and password.”

More information about Apple-MLS Season Pass can be found here. Season ticket holders can expect an email from their club with more information about redeeming their free subscription.

ICYMI: E Pluribus Loonum is in the process of transitioning from Vox Media/SB Nation funding and will have limited coverage of Minnesota United FC preseason. Please follow us on Twitter for the latest updates as we continue to get our new place ready ahead of MLS Opening Weekend.