by In a trial run ahead of the regular season starting next weekend, three preseason games are being streamed today on the Apple TV app, as Apple tests production and live streaming infrastructure for the MLS Season Pass.
MLS Season Pass is a first-of-its-kind sports league streaming package, offering subscribers every regular season game live and on demand with no blackouts. Register here in time for the official start of the season starting February 25th.
Apple never promised that preseason games would be streamed on the service. Based on all the reporting we’ve heard, MLS and Apple have been scrambling to get everything ready in time for the launch of the 2023 regular season, so a more comprehensive preseason broadcast schedule may be ready next year .
However, they have quietly set streams for today’s final three games of the season. The fixtures are:
- Orlando City vs New England, 7.10 pm EST
- Houston vs. Dallas, 8:10 PM EST
- LA Galaxy vs. Toronto, 9:10 PM EST
To watch it, make sure your device has an updated Apple TV app or the MLS content won’t appear. For iPhone and iPad users, that means making sure your device is updated to iOS 16.2 or later.
When MLS starts for real next week, there will be about six games a week in front of the pay wall. To watch all MLS games through the Apple TV app, users will need to purchase an MLS Season Pass priced at $99 per season, or $14.99 per month. Apple TV+ subscribers can get a discounted rate of $79 per season, or $12.99 per month.
The MLS Season Pass is a huge undertaking, with English and Spanish streams for every game, on-site broadcast teams for every game, local radio audio alternatives, pre- and post-game analysis, and a live whip-around show with highlights from everyone . games broadcast every Wednesday and Saturday (called ‘MLS 360’).
Apple is paying MLS about $250 million a year for the rights, in a ten-year deal that runs through 2032. While the Apple TV app will be the exclusive streaming outlet for all games, it may simulcast some games on other broadcast networks like Fox. .
In related news, as part of the promotion for the launch, Apple is hosting a 5v5 game show with MLS and Apple TV+ stars, including Cristo Fernandez (Dani Rojas, Ted Lasso) and Sam Richardson (Aniq, The Afterparty) . That will take place next Friday, and will likely be streamed for all to hear and watch.
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