Apple starts streaming 3 MLS preseason games ahead of season kickoff

Apple’s 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) Season Pass provides full access to all live and on-demand matches without blackouts or geographical content restrictions. The official season kickoff is slated to begin on February 25. Ahead of that, Apple has started streaming three Major League Soccer preseason games.

Apple MLS

Select MLS preseason games available on Apple TV

Apple never explicitly stated that its streaming service would offer preseason games. However, MLS and Apple were reportedly rushing to get everything ready in time for the start of the regular 2023 season, so a more thorough preseason broadcast schedule may become available next year.

Apple is going to stream three preseason games. Fixtures include:

  • Orlando City vs New England, 7.10 PM EST
  • Houston vs Dallas, 8:10 PM EST
  • LA Galaxy vs Toronto, 9:10 PM EST

Note that if your device does not have an updated Apple TV app, the Major League Soccer content will not be visible to you. In addition, you must make sure your device is updated to iOS 16.2 or later.

Apple TV app - MLS Season Pass

Six games per week will be behind a paywall when Major League Soccer officially debuts next week. Users must buy the $99/season (or $14.99/month) MLS Season Pass in order to access all games on the Apple TV app. Apple TV+ subscribers are eligible for a discounted rate of $79 per season, or $12.99 per month.

With English and Spanish streams for every game, onsite broadcast teams for every game, alternate radio broadcast options, pre-game and post-game assessment, and a live whip-around show airing every Wednesday and Saturday featuring highlights from all matches (called “MLS 360”), the MLS Season Pass is a major endeavor for Apple.

For the rights, Apple is paying MLS roughly $250 million annually as part of a ten-year agreement that extends through 2032. All matches will be streamed exclusively through the Apple TV app, but some matches may also be televised on other broadcast networks, like Fox.

In related news, from February 21 onwards, all T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile users will have free access to the MLS Season Pass through the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. The promotion, which will run from February 21 through March 14, will cover the entire upcoming MLS season.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.

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