Apple Announces MLS Season Pass Launch for February 2023
In a Newsroom update, Apple writes:
Apple and Major League Soccer today announced MLS Season Pass will launch February 1, 2023 — introducing an unprecedented subscription service to fans in over 100 countries and regions that features every live MLS regular-season match, the entire playoffs, and the Leagues Cup, all with no blackouts.
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Starting February 1, fans can subscribe to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app for $14.99 per month during the season or $99 per season, and Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up at a special price of $12.99 per month and $79 per season.
If you just want to dip your toe into watching pro soccer, Apple TV+ subscribers will also get free access to select matches—including some of the playoffs—and a number of matches will be free for all on the Apple TV app. Personally, I’m waiting for Apple to ink a deal with the Diamond League.
I pay Peacock just so I can watch Premier League games, and I pay much less than Apple plans to charge for MLS (1/3 the price, IIRC), an inferior league. And I know ESPN+ has other leagues, again for quite a bit less than this. I wish them well, but I know I’ll pass on this one.
I suppose their coverage will be similar to baseball games where you have to watch in-progress games live. I’m not a fan of that approach. With MVB.tv I can start watching a game about an hour after it starts and skip commercials, pause for bathroom breaks, etc.
Apple is offering on demand replays.
“ MLS Season Pass
An unprecedented subscription service available to fans in over 100 countries and regions featuring live broadcasts and replays of:
Plus the most expansive and accessible programming lineup ever:
Yes, but I think that means you can’t start rewatching the game until after it’s over. With a 7pm baseball game, that would mean I can’t start watching until after 10pm.
You can watch it the next day, or another day after that.