Major League Soccer kicks off its milestone 30th season this Saturday, expanding its digital presence and viewer accessibility through its partnership with Apple TV. MLS Season Pass viewers can expect Vision Pro support, a new Android app a big interview with living soccer legend Lionel Messi, a new documentary series and more.
“With new ways to watch, expansive programming, and incredible exclusive content, this will be Major League Soccer’s biggest season yet,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports and Beats. “We’re excited to bring fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.”
MLS Season Pass expands offerings for soccer league’s 30th season
For MLS’s 30th season, 2025 MLS Season Pass will introduce several new features and programming options. They include a new weekly match, access to matches via a new Android app and on 100-foot displays via Vision Pro, a new Messi interview and a new documentary series, Apple said.
Additions include the debut of Sunday Night Soccer, a premium weekly broadcast available to Apple TV+ subscribers. The first Sunday night match showcases the league’s newest franchise, San Diego FC, facing defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on February 23. The match, scheduled for 4 p.m. PT, will also broadcast in Times Square.
Apple TV sleeve patches, Android device access
Photo: Apple
In celebration of the league’s 30th anniversary, teams will sport specially designed Apple TV sleeve patches throughout the season. Each patch has been customized to reflect the individual club’s visual identity and color scheme. That creates a unique blend of traditional team branding with the digital broadcaster’s aesthetic, Apple said.
The partnership between MLS and Apple continues to evolve, with the Apple TV app now extending its reach to Android devices. Users can download the app from Google Play, accessing it on phones, tablets and foldable devices, with the ability to subscribe to MLS Season Pass through their Google Play accounts.
Exclusive Lionel Messi interview, new documentary series
A highlight of the season’s opening weeks: An exclusive interview with Lionel Messi. As fans around the world know, he’s the league’s reigning MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Scheduled for February 28, the conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe will delve into Messi’s transition to Inter Miami, his perspectives on MLS’s growth, and personal insights into his life both on and off the field. You can watch an excerpt of the interview here.
The league also expands its content offerings with Onside: Major League Soccer. It’s an eight-part documentary series premiering February 21 on Apple TV+. Produced by Box to Box Films in collaboration with Major League Soccer, the series promises unprecedented access to players, coaches and clubs. It chronicles the memorable moments of the 2024 season, Apple noted. You can watch the series trailer above.
Live Activities on Apple Sports app, access via Vision Pro, new partnerships
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
For tech-savvy fans, the Apple Sports app has been enhanced with new features for the 2025 season. The app now offers Live Activities for all MLS matches. That provides real-time scores and play-by-play information directly to iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens with iOS 18 and watchOS 11.
The enhanced viewing experience extends to Apple Vision Pro users. They can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space. Or they can watch in an Environment that creates a 100-foot-wide viewing experience, complete with Spatial Audio for increased immersion.
Access to MLS content also becomes more convenient through subscription options and partnerships. T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers can receive complimentary access to MLS Season Pass for the entire season. DIRECTV expanded its offering to include MLS Season Pass through channels 480-495. Xfinity customers can access matches through their existing service and enjoy free access to MLS 360 throughout the season.
Subscribe to MLS Season Pass
Standard subscription rates for MLS Season Pass are $14.99 monthly or $99 for the full season, with discounted rates available for Apple TV+ subscribers at $12.99 monthly or $79 for the season. The service includes access to every MLS game without blackouts, comprehensive coverage, exclusive content and additional tournaments. Those include Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup and the MLS All-Star Game.
Source: Apple
