Finding the right channel for a soccer match shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Honestly, it's been a mess for years. One week you’re on a local sports network that requires a specific cable tier, the next you’re hunting for a login for a random streaming app because the game is "blacked out" in your own zip code.
That whole headache basically died in 2023 when Apple and Major League Soccer signed their massive ten-year deal. But as we move into the 2026 season, things have shifted again. If you're asking what channel is MLS on right now, the answer is simpler than it used to be, but there’s a massive catch involving how much you pay and where you click.
The big news? MLS Season Pass—that separate, extra-cost subscription we've all been paying for since 2023—is gone. Well, it's not gone-gone, but it’s been absorbed.
The Big 2026 Pivot: Apple TV is the "Channel"
For the first time since this partnership started, you don't need a standalone sports package to see every single match. Starting with the 2026 season opening weekend on February 21, every single Major League Soccer match is included with a standard Apple TV subscription.
In previous years, you had to pay for Apple TV ($9.99/month) and then shell out extra for the MLS Season Pass ($14.99/month). It was a double-dip that annoyed plenty of casual fans. Now, it’s all under one roof. If you have the app, you have the games.
This isn't just a minor pricing update. It’s a full-on strategy shift by Apple and MLS Commissioner Don Garber. They realized that putting a "paywall behind a paywall" was keeping people from discovering the league. By rolling the games into the main Apple TV service, the league is hoping to catch the eyes of people who just finished an episode of Severance and want to see what Lionel Messi is up to in Miami.
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What about local TV?
Don't bother looking for your local Bally Sports or regional NBC Sports affiliate. They don't have the rights. They haven't had them for three years. In 2026, there are zero local TV broadcasts for MLS.
It feels weird, I know. You can't just flip to a local channel and see your home team. But the upside is the "no blackouts" rule still holds firm. If you're in Seattle, you can watch the Sounders. If you're in Austin, you can watch Austin FC. No VPNs, no digital antennas, no "this program is unavailable in your area" messages.
Linear TV: The Fox Sports Factor
While Apple owns the digital rights to every game, traditional "channels" do still exist for the big marquee matchups. For the 2026 season, FOX Sports remains the primary linear partner in the United States.
If you prefer the old-school experience of flipping through a cable guide, here is how the 34-match national TV schedule breaks down for FOX:
- FOX (Over-the-Air): 15 matches will air on the main FOX broadcast network. These are usually the "big" ones—rivalry weeks, opening weekend, and the playoffs.
- FS1: 19 matches are slated for Fox Sports 1.
- FOX Deportes: Every game shown on FOX or FS1 will also have a Spanish-language broadcast here.
In Canada, the situation is similar. TSN and RDS carry at least one match per week, usually focusing on the Canadian "Big Three": Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
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The Messi and World Cup Momentum
Timing is everything. Why did they make the "channel" easier to find in 2026? Because the FIFA World Cup 2026 is literally happening on North American soil this summer.
The league is actually pausing its schedule from May 25 to July 16 to let the World Cup take center stage. When the league returns on July 17, it’s going to be the biggest marketing push in the history of the sport here. Having the games easily accessible on a single app (Apple TV) rather than a confusing web of cable channels is a play for all those new fans the World Cup is expected to create.
Plus, let's be real: people are still tuning in for the stars. With icons like Messi at Inter Miami and newer arrivals like Son Heung-Min (who joined LAFC in late 2025) and Thomas Müller (Vancouver), the league has more "must-see" TV than ever.
How Much Does it Cost Now?
Since the standalone Season Pass is dead, the cost to find what channel MLS is on is just the cost of Apple TV.
- Monthly: $12.99
- Annual: $99.00
If you are a Season Ticket Member for any MLS club, you still get the hookup. Most clubs are continuing the tradition of including one free Apple TV subscription per account. Check your email from your club's front office; they usually send out the redemption codes in late January or early February before the "MLS is Back" kickoff.
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Devices: Where to Find the "Channel"
Because "Apple TV" is both an app and a piece of hardware, people get confused. You do not need an Apple TV 4K box to watch the games. You just need the app.
You've probably already got it on your device. It's on:
- Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony.
- Android phones and iPhones.
- Web browsers at
tv.apple.com.
A Note on MLS 360
If you aren't a "one team" fan and just want to see goals, you need to find MLS 360. It’s the league's version of NFL RedZone. It’s a live whip-around show that stays on for about four or five hours every Saturday night.
They jump from stadium to stadium the second a penalty is called or a goal is scored. It’s arguably the best way to consume the league if you don't have a specific horse in the race. In 2026, this is also included in the standard Apple TV sub.
Things to Watch Out For
- Internet Speed: Since these games are 1080p high-bitrate streams, you need decent Wi-Fi. If your stream keeps buffering, it’s likely your local connection, not the "channel" itself.
- Radio Overlays: One cool feature Apple kept for 2026 is the ability to swap the national commentators for your local home team's radio announcers. If you hate the national guys, just look for the "Audio" icon in the bottom right of the player and switch to the local radio feed.
Summary Checklist for 2026
If you're sitting on your couch on a Saturday night wondering where the game is, follow this logic:
- Open the Apple TV app. Every single game is there.
- Check FOX or FS1 if it’s a major Sunday afternoon match.
- If you’re in Canada, check TSN or RDS for the local flavor.
- If you’re a Season Ticket Holder, don’t pay—use your free code.
To get ready for the 2026 season, download the Apple TV app on your primary streaming device now and sign in with your Apple ID. If you're a season ticket holder, keep a close watch on your "Promotions" or "Spam" folder for your 2026 access link, as these typically expire if not redeemed by the first month of the season.