Apple TV+ may offer free MLS Playoff access to woo subscribers

Apple is reportedly planning to sweeten its streaming bundle by giving Apple TV+ subscribers free access to Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoff matches. An official announcement has not been made yet, and it’s unclear whether the offer would be limited to the United States or available globally.

If confirmed, this would be a notable shift from Apple’s current approach. MLS coverage lives in a separate MLS Season Pass package in the Apple TV app, with Apple TV+ subscribers typically receiving a discount rather than included access. Extending free Playoff viewing to TV+ subscribers would mark a stronger push into live sports as a driver for sign-ups and retention.

• What’s new: Reported plan for free MLS Playoff access for Apple TV+ subscribers.
• What’s unknown: Regional availability, duration (one-time promo vs. ongoing), and whether replays or non-Playoff matches are included.
• Current setup: MLS Season Pass is a standalone subscription in the Apple TV app; Apple TV+ subscribers usually get a discounted price.
• Why it matters: Live sports can increase engagement and reduce churn—areas Apple has targeted with MLS and MLB initiatives.

Context: Apple entered a long-term global partnership with MLS in 2023, offering every match through MLS Season Pass without local blackouts on supported devices. Separately, Apple TV+ has also featured Friday Night Baseball (MLB) as part of its service in select seasons. A Playoff perk for MLS would signal Apple’s continued investment in premium sports programming.

What to watch next: An official Apple announcement clarifying eligibility, regions, and how to redeem access. We’ll also look for details on whether TV+ subscribers get live streams only or on-demand replays, and how this interacts with existing MLS Season Pass subscribers.

Useful links:
Apple TV app: Sports and MLS Season Pass ·
MLS Season Pass overview

Note: This report has not been confirmed by Apple at the time of writing. Availability, pricing, and terms may change upon official announcement.

Discussion: Would free Playoff access make Apple TV+ more compelling for you, or do you prefer a standalone sports subscription like MLS Season Pass?