If you are wondering where to watch MLS this season, the answer is simpler than ever: every 2026 MLS match streams on Apple TV, Apple’s regular subscription service. The separate MLS Season Pass that Apple sold from 2023 to 2025 no longer exists, so one Apple TV subscription covers the regular season, the playoffs and MLS Cup. A smaller set of marquee games also airs on FOX and FS1.
Below we break down the price, the devices, the free options and the key dates left in the 2026 calendar.
The short answer: Apple TV carries every match
Apple holds MLS rights worldwide, and for 2026 it folded all of that coverage into the standard Apple TV subscription. At the time of writing that costs around $12.99 a month, or about $99 a year if you switch to the annual option, and new subscribers usually get a 7-day free trial.
What you get for that price:
- Every regular season match, plus the playoffs and MLS Cup
- No local or out-of-market blackouts, so your home team is never hidden
- English and Spanish commentary on all games, with French on select matches
- Apple’s full library of shows and films, which used to require a separate subscription anyway
That last point matters for value. Under the old setup, fans paid for Season Pass on top of (or instead of) Apple TV. Now it is one bill.
MLS on FOX and FS1
FOX keeps a package of national broadcasts, with selected marquee matches on FOX and FS1 and some playoff games included. FOX is a free broadcast network, so those games are watchable with a simple antenna. Our guide to the best TV antennas for local channels explains how to pick one for your area.
FS1 is a cable channel, so you need a pay-TV login or a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV or DirecTV Stream. Remember that the FOX package is a small slice of the schedule. If you want every match of your club, Apple TV is still the only complete option.
Price and options compared
| Option | Approx. cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV subscription | $12.99/mo or about $99/yr | Every MLS match, no blackouts, English and Spanish audio |
| FOX over the air | Free with an antenna | Selected national FOX broadcasts |
| Live TV streaming service | Varies by service | FOX and FS1 national games only |
| Apple TV free trial | Free for 7 days (new subscribers) | Full access during the trial |
Prices change often, so check Apple’s own sign-up page before you subscribe.
Devices that run the Apple TV app
You do not need Apple hardware. The Apple TV app runs on iPhone, iPad and Mac, the Apple TV 4K box, Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox and in a web browser at tv.apple.com.
If your current TV is slow or the app is missing, a modern streaming stick is the cheapest fix. Our best streaming device for 2026 roundup compares the main options by price and speed.
Key 2026 dates still ahead
The 2026 season started on February 21 and paused from late May to mid-July so the World Cup could be played in North America. Here is what is left on the calendar:
- Regular season ends: November 7, 2026
- Playoffs: November 18 to December 18, 2026, played without a break
- MLS Cup 2026: December 18, 2026
All of it streams on Apple TV. Watch for FOX picking up selected playoff games as well.
Free ways to watch MLS legally
- Use Apple TV’s 7-day free trial during a key week, such as the final regular season matchday or a playoff round
- Watch FOX national broadcasts over the air with an antenna
- Keep an eye out for free-preview matches Apple has offered in past seasons around big weekends
- Follow official highlights on MLS and Apple channels after each matchday
Stay away from “free MLS streams” sites. They carry no rights, are often full of malware, and can disappear mid-match.
Ways to pay less for Apple TV
A few legitimate ways to trim the cost, based on how Apple sells the service at the time of writing:
- Switch to the annual option once you have subscribed monthly; it works out cheaper over a full season
- Use Family Sharing: one Apple TV subscription can be shared with up to six people in your household
- Check whether you already have Apple TV through Apple One, a student Apple Music plan or your mobile carrier
Because the season now runs through mid-December, an annual plan also covers the whole 2026 playoff run and the start of 2027 preseason.
Watching on the go
Since there are no blackouts, the Apple TV app works the same whether you are at home or travelling within the US. The iPhone and Android apps are handy for checking a second game while the main one is on the TV.
Which option should you choose?
If you support one club and want every minute, Apple TV is the clear pick: one price, every match, no blackouts. Casual fans who only want the biggest games can rely on FOX with an antenna and add FS1 through a live TV service they may already have.
If you want one subscription for a wide mix of live channels beyond a single league, our IPTV Journal plan is 12 months for $89 (about $7.40 a month) with 20,000+ channels, sports and 24/7 support. Whatever you choose, check exactly what is included before you pay, and remember that exclusive league packages are sold by their official rights holders.
For a broader look at sports coverage, see our guide to IPTV sports packages.
FAQ
Do I still need MLS Season Pass in 2026?
No. Apple discontinued MLS Season Pass after the 2025 season. Every 2026 match, including the playoffs and MLS Cup, is part of the regular Apple TV subscription.
How much does it cost to watch MLS?
At the time of writing an Apple TV subscription costs around $12.99 a month, or about $99 a year on the annual option. New subscribers usually get a 7-day free trial.
Are there blackouts on MLS games?
No. Apple’s deal removed local and out-of-market blackouts, so you can watch your home team live wherever you are in the US.
Can I watch MLS in Spanish?
Yes. Every match on Apple TV has Spanish commentary available, and select matches also offer French audio.
When is MLS Cup 2026?
MLS Cup 2026 is scheduled for December 18, 2026, at the end of a playoff run that starts on November 18. It streams on Apple TV.
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