Apple has taken steps to entice more soccer enthusiasts to embrace the MLS Season Pass by offering significant discounts.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes a free kick in the second half during a match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 30, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Apple Decreases MLS Season Pass Cost
According to TechCrunch, previously priced at $99 per season, the subscription granting viewers access to all Major League Soccer (MLS) games now costs $14.99 per month or $29 for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Apple TV+ subscribers who opt for the pass are eligible for an even more budget-friendly rate, paying $12.99 per month or $25 for the remaining season, as opposed to the original $79.
The 2023 MLS regular season commenced on February 25 and is slated to conclude on October 21. Notably, the MLS Season Pass also includes live coverage of the playoffs, set for October 25 through December 9. That means that individuals who subscribe now can enjoy plenty of soccer action at a lower cost.
Apple's decision to reduce the price could be attributed to the anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi's presence in the league, especially after his American debut in July, which attracted an average of 1.75 million viewers through the linear TV network Univision, as reported by Nielsen.
According to Sports Business Journal, MLS Season Pass already boasts around one million subscribers, a significant increase from 700,000 in June. It is expected that MLS Season Pass will continue to witness growth in subscribers as the playoffs draw closer.
10-Year Partnership Between Apple and MLS
In February, Apple introduced MLS Season Pass to more than 100 territories, granting soccer fans access to all MLS matches, Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup, and original programming. Notably, there are no blackout restrictions, allowing subscribers to watch the matches whether in-market or out-of-market.
This 10-year partnership between Major League Soccer and Apple is noteworthy for both parties, offering a unique experience to a substantial fan base. In 2022, as TechCrunch reported, MLS achieved its highest viewership in 25 years, attracting 2.155 million viewers across Fox and Univision in the US.
The success of Apple's revamped subscription model could pave the way for other streaming services and major sports leagues to explore similar agreements.
MLS Season Pass can be accessed through the Apple TV app, which is compatible with Apple devices, game consoles, the web (tv.apple.com), smart TVs, and many more.
A diverse array of devices is accommodated, spanning Samsung TVs, LG TVs, Panasonic TVs, Sony TVs, VIZIO TVs, Amazon Fire TVs, Roku devices, Android TV, Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and numerous others.
MLS Season Pass provides subscribers comprehensive access to all live matches during the season, including commentary in both English and Spanish. Canadian games, on the other hand, include commentary in French.
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