Major League Soccer starts February 1, 2023 on Apple TV+

AppleInsider

Apple TV+ has announced that MLS Season Pass will stream every live Major League Soccer game from February 2023, starting a decade-long deal.

Apple and Major League Soccer (MLS) have together previously revealed the deal would see fans being able to watch games from 2023, but it has now confirmed the date - and the uniforms.

All 29 clubs will have new jerseys that feature an Apple TV+ patch in a different color.

"There isn't a more perfect time to introduce MLS Season Pass, coming off the heels of the most dramatic MLS Cup in history and with MLS as the fastest-growing soccer league in the world," Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services, said in a statement. "We're counting down the days to February 2023 when fans everywhere can enjoy MLS Season Pass on billions of devices -- all with no blackouts."

The lack of blackouts is a significant draw for soccer fans as it means no blocking of local games. Any subscriber will be able to watch "every live MLS regular-season match, the entire playoffs, and the Leagues Cup."

"We could not be more excited to bring our fans MLS Season Pass," said Don Garber, MLS's commissioner, "a new home for all MLS matches and a wide variety of league and club content they can't get anywhere else."

"We have the most engaged and passionate fans in sports," continued Garber, "and now they'll have every match everywhere with MLS Season Pass."

From February 1, 2023, fans will be able to subscribe for $14.99 per month, or $99 per season, via the Apple TV app. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers will be able to add the MLS Season Pass to their subscription for $12.99 per month, or $79 per season.

Plus fans buying full-season packages with MLS clubs will get the Apple TV+ MLS subscription included.

The season starts on February 25, 2023, featuring the 2022 MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC taking on the LA Galaxy. The complete 2023 schedule is expected to be announced in mid-December.

All matches during the "MLS is Back" opening weekend will be free for all to watch on the Apple TV app.

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lolliver

"A selection of MLS and Leagues Cup matches, including some of the biggest playoff matchups, will also be available at no additional cost to Apple TV+ subscribers, with a number of matches available for free on the Apple TV app. " 

I don't follow the MLS closely but would be interested in watching the occasional game. Sounds like there will be some games during the season that are included in the Apple TV+ subscription without needing an MLS Pass.

22july2013

In the Premiere League, 71.1% of all games in the last 15 years resulted in scores of 0, 1 or 2 points per team. I find it hard to get excited about any game when the average score is 1.6 to 1.0. The statistical significance of a game ending in a score of 1-0 is about as much as flipping a coin, in my opinion. You might as well just end the game on the initial coin toss, if there is one, to decide who wins the game.

Nevertheless I would watch a game if my leg was hanging in a cast from the ceiling.

avon b7

22july2013 said:

In the Premiere League, 71.1% of all games in the last 15 years resulted in scores of 0, 1 or 2 points per team. I find it hard to get excited about any game when the average score is 1.6 to 1.0. The statistical significance of a game ending in a score of 1-0 is about as much as flipping a coin, in my opinion. You might as well just end the game on the initial coin toss, if there is one, to decide who wins the game.

Nevertheless I would watch a game if my leg was hanging in a cast from the ceiling.

There is no two points per team in the Premier League. It is zero to the losing team, 1 to both teams in case of a draw, and 3 for the winning team for a win.

0-0 could easily be as exciting as a 5-4 seesawing game with a last second winner. Goals aren't everything and, if anything, too many, actually detract from the emotion. 

It's why I've never been much of a basketball fan as it's a race to rack up scores until time runs out and even the time variable is a detraction because you lose spontaneity when everything can be stopped at will. 

hawkpride147

avon b7 said:

22july2013 said:

In the Premiere League, 71.1% of all games in the last 15 years resulted in scores of 0, 1 or 2 points per team. I find it hard to get excited about any game when the average score is 1.6 to 1.0. The statistical significance of a game ending in a score of 1-0 is about as much as flipping a coin, in my opinion. You might as well just end the game on the initial coin toss, if there is one, to decide who wins the game.

Nevertheless I would watch a game if my leg was hanging in a cast from the ceiling.

There is no two points per team in the Premier League. It is zero to the losing team, 1 to both teams in case of a draw, and 3 for the winning team for a win.

0-0 could easily be as exciting as a 5-4 seesawing game with a last second winner. Goals aren't everything and, if anything, too many, actually detract from the emotion. 

It's why I've never been much of a basketball fan as it's a race to rack up scores until time runs out and even the time variable is a detraction because you lose spontaneity when everything can be stopped at will. 

This isn't about standings points. It's about goals scored in a game. MLS struggles, and Apple would have been wise to offer the first season as part of Apple TV+ to get people hooked. They're clearly hoping to cash in on Ted Lasso, but I'm not sure how well it will work out.

avon b7

hawkpride147 said:

avon b7 said:

22july2013 said:

In the Premiere League, 71.1% of all games in the last 15 years resulted in scores of 0, 1 or 2 points per team. I find it hard to get excited about any game when the average score is 1.6 to 1.0. The statistical significance of a game ending in a score of 1-0 is about as much as flipping a coin, in my opinion. You might as well just end the game on the initial coin toss, if there is one, to decide who wins the game.

Nevertheless I would watch a game if my leg was hanging in a cast from the ceiling.

There is no two points per team in the Premier League. It is zero to the losing team, 1 to both teams in case of a draw, and 3 for the winning team for a win.

0-0 could easily be as exciting as a 5-4 seesawing game with a last second winner. Goals aren't everything and, if anything, too many, actually detract from the emotion. 

It's why I've never been much of a basketball fan as it's a race to rack up scores until time runs out and even the time variable is a detraction because you lose spontaneity when everything can be stopped at will. 

This isn't about standings points. It's about goals scored in a game. MLS struggles, and Apple would have been wise to offer the first season as part of Apple TV+ to get people hooked. They're clearly hoping to cash in on Ted Lasso, but I'm not sure how well it will work out.

I tackled the 'goals scored in a game' point. 

It's not about goals, in terms of excitement. A 0-0 draw could easily be heart attack inducing.

A 5-5 draw could be quite boring.

Of course, the opposite can also be true. 

Goals win games but the experience for the viewer is marked by many other factors. 

With the World Cup about to start, football (soccer) will dominate the sports headlines for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, it is not being held in a country with footballing tradition and there are going to be climate related issues to deal with so it isn't the best setting but it is the tournament to follow in terms of importance. 

Some US viewers will need to be 're-educated' in terms of what to expect and the best way for that to happen is for the US national team to do well in that tournament. That would bleed over into the national league. 

Grass roots support has always been present and has been strengthened through women's football so more exposure can only be good.