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MLS Season Pass: subscriptions, pricing, programming, languages and announcers

Everything you need to know about MLS Season Pass, the new subscription streaming service on which soccer fans will be able to watch every 2023 Major League Soccer game.

KEVORK DJANSEZIANAFP

From 1 February, Major League Soccer fans worldwide can sign up for MLS Season Pass, a subscription service that allows viewers to stream every 2023 MLS and Leagues Cup game live on Apple TV. Offering monthly or full-season subscription plans, MLS Season Pass will be available “in over 100 countries and regions”, MLS and Apple say.

MLS and Apple kick off decade-long alliance

The platform arrives as part of a 10-year partnership between MLS and Apple, which will see the tech giant hold exclusive streaming rights both for North America’s elite men’s soccer division and an expanded version of the Leagues Cup, a tournament involving clubs from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX.

“Apple is the perfect partner to further accelerate the growth of MLS and deepen the connection between our clubs and their fans,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said when the deal was announced in June. “Given Apple’s ability to create a best-in-class user experience and to reach fans everywhere, it’ll be incredibly easy to enjoy MLS matches anywhere, whether you’re a super fan or casual viewer.”

Los Angeles FC are the defending MLS champions.KEVORK DJANSEZIANAFP

How much will MLS Season Pass cost?

MLS Season Pass will cost $14.99 per month or $99 per season - unless you’re an Apple TV+ subscriber, in which case you’ll get the MLS streaming service at a discounted price of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.

Where can you use MLS Season Pass?

You’ll be able to watch MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, which can be downloaded to most internet-connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs and games consoles. If you’re not sure whether you can get the Apple TV app, check out this list of compatible devices.

An alternative to the app is to access Apple TV on the website tv.apple.com.

What languages will MLS games be available in?

All games will be broadcast in English and Spanish, and matches involving Canadian will also come with the option of following French-language coverage.

Who will the MLS Season Pass announcers be?

On Tuesday, MLS and Apple revealed the initial group of hosts, analysts and play-by-play announcers that have been brought in for MLS Season Pass’ game coverage. They are:

  • Hosts: Liam McHugh, Jillian Sakovits and Tony Cherchi
  • Play-by-play announcers: Max Bretos, Steve Cangialosi, Jake Zivin, Pablo Ramírez, Frederic Lord
  • Analysts: Kyndra de St. Aubin, Maurice Edu, Lori Lindsey, Danielle Slaton, Taylor Twellman, Marcelo Balboa, Sébastien Le Toux, Sacha Kljestan, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Diego Valeri

What days and times will 2023 MLS games be played?

Apple says most games will be scheduled for 7:30pm local time on Saturdays and “select Wednesdays”. This schedule has been chosen “with a focus on building a schedule to best serve the league’s passionate fans and drive destination viewing and attendance”, the company explains.

When does the 2023 MLS season begin?

The 2023 MLS season, which will feature 29 teams after the addition of expansion franchise St Louis City SC, kicks off on Saturday 25 February, with Nashville SC hosting New York City in the opening game at 4:30pm ET. MLS champions Los Angeles FC begin the defence of their title the same day with a city derby against Los Angeles Galaxy. Kick-off at the Rose Bowl is scheduled for 8:30pm ET.

The regular season is due to run until 21 October. The dates of the postseason playoffs are yet to be confirmed.

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