Apple to Consolidate MLS Streaming on Apple TV by 2026, Signaling Broader Sports Ambitions
Apple will migrate all Major League Soccer content to its flagship Apple TV platform by 2026, eliminating the standalone Season Pass service introduced in 2023. The shift follows the tech giant's landmark 10-year media rights deal with MLS and reflects Apple's strategy to centralize sports content as it competes in the crowded streaming landscape.
The transition comes as Apple TV's subscriber base grows, though neither party disclosed specific metrics. MLS Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson characterized the MOVE as fan-centric, aimed at reducing fragmentation in sports broadcasting. Apple has been aggressively expanding its sports portfolio, having secured similar rights for Formula 1 races.
Industry observers note the decision critiques the increasingly complex sports streaming ecosystem, where viewers often juggle multiple subscriptions. Apple's vertical integration of MLS content mirrors broader trends in media consolidation, with tech giants leveraging exclusive content to drive platform loyalty.