Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi scored a goal against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Major League Soccer will move all matches to Apple TV starting in 2026, ending the separate subscription service Season Pass. Apple and MLS had a 10-year media rights deal, with the move to Apple TV aimed at providing a better viewing experience for fans.

Apple’s push into sports streaming includes a recent exclusive deal with Formula 1, paying roughly $140 million annually. Apple aims to reform the sports viewing experience, addressing the fragmented market of multiple subscriptions for one sport. MLS’s move to Apple TV follows Apple’s strategy of adding sports to its platform.

The shift in MLS’s calendar aligns with global soccer leagues to allow teams to participate in worldwide player transfer windows. MLS’s regular season currently runs from February to October, with playoffs and the championship in December. The change will better integrate MLS teams into the international soccer calendar, enhancing their competitiveness.

With the popularity of soccer growing in the U.S., MLS aims to capitalize on its 30th season’s success and the upcoming World Cup. The league’s popularity has increased, especially after global superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF. The move to Apple TV and the shift in the calendar aim to elevate MLS’s reach and competitiveness in the sports market.

Read more at CNBC: MLS games head to Apple TV in 2026 as Season Pass ends