Apple TV+ has announced that the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs will be available to stream for free, marking a historic shift in the landscape of major sporting events. The streaming service, home to the MLS Season Pass, will offer unfettered access to the playoffs, eliminating any paywalls or subscription barriers.
This unprecedented move comes as part of Apple’s commitment to growing the sport of soccer in North America and expanding access to its content. The free access to the playoffs is an exciting prospect for fans and a bold statement from Apple, showcasing its willingness to invest in and prioritize the future of the MLS.
“We are thrilled to make the MLS Cup Playoffs available to everyone,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services. “We believe that this move will further accelerate the growth of soccer in the United States and Canada, giving more fans than ever before the opportunity to experience the excitement of the playoffs.”
The decision to offer the playoffs free of charge is expected to draw a significant number of new viewers to the MLS, including those who may not be familiar with the league or its dedicated fanbase. Apple aims to capitalize on the opportunity to attract a larger audience, particularly in the wake of the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup and the growing popularity of soccer globally.
The move also benefits the MLS, giving the league a platform to showcase its top teams and players to a wider audience. The playoffs are a culmination of a long and competitive season, featuring the best teams vying for the championship. Offering the playoffs free of charge will provide a major boost to the MLS’s visibility and potential to attract new fans.
The MLS Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on October 26th, with the final taking place on December 1st. Apple TV+ will offer comprehensive coverage of the playoffs, including live matches, highlights, and analysis. Fans can access the free streams through the Apple TV+ app on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming devices.
How to watch MLS Cup Playoffs
In addition to broadcasting free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Friday night’s match will also stream live on apple.com and in Apple Store locations across the world, including Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City, Apple Union Square in San Francisco, and Apple The Grove in Los Angeles, in addition to Apple Store locations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.
Fans on TikTok can enjoy a special “Player Spotlight: Messi” presentation of Friday’s match where the camera will be trained on Messi as he lights up the pitch. The stream will broadcast live on the @MLS TikTok profile and be simulcast on the @InterMiamiCF TikTok profile, beginning five minutes before kickoff. This will mark the first time TikTok has streamed an entire live soccer match with a single-player focus. Fans can register on TikTok to stream the live event.
This monumental decision by Apple represents a significant moment in the evolution of sports broadcasting, showcasing the growing power and influence of streaming services. With this move, Apple TV+ is not only demonstrating its commitment to the MLS, but also its belief in the power of accessible content and the potential of soccer to captivate a global audience.
