MLS and Apple Revamp Streaming Deal Ahead of 2026 World Cup

MLS and Apple have announced a major revamp of their streaming partnership, realigning financial terms and shortening the agreement’s duration to capitalize on North America’s rising soccer momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This strategic shift promises significant benefits for both Major League Soccer and Apple, while also offering fans a more robust streaming experience.

MLS and Apple Streaming Deal: Key Changes and Higher Payments

The MLS and Apple streaming deal, initially slated to run through 2032, will now conclude in early 2029, three-and-a-half years ahead of schedule. This adjustment brings several notable changes to the partnership’s structure and financials. According to sources familiar with the revised agreement, MLS will receive $200 million for the 2026 season, followed by $107.5 million for the shortened 2027 campaign. In the subsequent two seasons (2027-28 and 2028-29), the league will earn $275 million each year.

These figures represent an average payout similar to the original per-season economics but crucially advance more cash to MLS in the short term. Overall, the league will collect approximately $50 million more by mid-2029 compared to the previous schedule. Another significant aspect is Apple’s decision to remove their opt-out clause after 2027, signaling a firm commitment to MLS’s evolving media strategy.

Why MLS and Apple Chose to Restructure Now

The timing of these renegotiations is no coincidence. Two strategic decisions prompted both MLS and Apple to revisit their agreement: first, the integration of Season Pass into Apple TV’s main bundle for 2026, and second, MLS’s planned shift to a fall–spring calendar beginning in 2027.

By incorporating MLS content directly into Apple TV’s core offering, both parties aim to attract a broader audience and bundle sports with Apple’s diverse entertainment catalog. The accelerated payment schedule allows MLS to test the media rights market sooner, particularly after the global spotlight of the 2026 World Cup. For Apple, relinquishing the opt-out clause demonstrates an intent to secure soccer’s growing American audience over the critical next few years.

Impact of the MLS and Apple Streaming Deal on Fans and the League

This new arrangement means fans will access all MLS matches via the main Apple TV platform without local blackouts, continuing the league’s bold commitment to broad digital reach. The restructured deal not only increases the financial stability for MLS clubs but also enhances global exposure for players, teams, and the league as a whole.

The revised schedule matches the league’s ambition to synchronize with global football calendars, allowing MLS to better align transfer windows and player movement with international standards. This alignment is expected to drive higher viewership and foster greater collaboration with international partners.

Strategic Positioning Before the 2026 World Cup

Timing is pivotal: MLS will enter the media rights marketplace earlier, just as soccer interest is expected to surge in North America courtesy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The league’s new calendar and integrated streaming approach could help MLS maximize post-World Cup engagement, sponsorship, and viewership.

Moreover, Apple fortifies its sports portfolio, having recently secured Formula 1 rights, demonstrating its intent to become a leading destination for live sports content. For more news on sports broadcasting and football updates, visit for more news.

What’s Next for MLS and Apple?

With the revised MLS and Apple streaming deal in place, the league will transition to Apple TV’s primary offering in 2026 and operate under the updated agreement until 2029. This sets up MLS to explore new media rights partners or extend with Apple, depending on how the market evolves after the World Cup. The strategic timing offers flexibility to capitalize on heightened soccer interest in the United States and Canada.

While the initial 10-year deal, inked in 2022, made history by centralizing all MLS matches on one streaming platform, the updated terms reflect the fast-moving nature of sports broadcasting and the league’s adaptability to market trends. Both MLS and Apple are positioning themselves for long-term relevance in a rapidly shifting media landscape.

Opinion: A Win-Win for Soccer’s Growth in North America

This MLS and Apple streaming deal revision is a forward-thinking move that aligns with the league’s long-term growth strategy. By accelerating payments and eliminating Apple’s opt-out option, MLS gains financial muscle and negotiating agility just as soccer fever is set to peak in North America. Apple, in turn, reaffirms its commitment to being a central sports destination.

Ultimately, this new agreement is poised to benefit fans, clubs, and the broader American soccer ecosystem, ensuring Major League Soccer remains at the forefront of the global football conversation.