- Unprecedented Access: In a major strategy shift, MLS and Apple are making the entire slate of playoff matches available to all Apple TV subscribers, not just those with the specific MLS Season Pass.
- Star Power on Display: The 18-team playoff field is set, featuring some of the league’s biggest stars, including Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, LAFC’s Son Heung-Min, and the Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller.
- Playoffs Kick Off This Week: The action begins Wednesday with two high-stakes Wild Card matches, leading into the best-of-three Round One series starting Friday.
- Broadcast Alternatives: While Apple TV offers comprehensive coverage, select games will also be available on Fox Sports in the U.S. and on TSN and RDS in Canada.
A Game-Changer for Soccer Fans
In a move designed to capture a massive audience, Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple have announced that the league’s entire playoff schedule will be available to all Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost. This decision removes the barrier for entry, expanding the viewership far beyond the dedicated MLS Season Pass subscribers and inviting millions of casual fans to watch the postseason drama unfold.
The strategy builds upon a successful regular-season approach that saw an increasing number of matches offered to the broader entertainment service’s audience. With the regular season now concluded after a thrilling “Decision Day,” the stage is set for an unforgettable postseason.
Star-Studded Field Takes Shape
The final playoff spots were clinched in dramatic fashion, with FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake securing their berths on the last day of the season. Their entry finalizes an 18-team field loaded with international talent and compelling storylines.
Fans won’t want to miss some of the world’s most iconic players. The playoff bracket features superstars like Lionel Messi, who led Inter Miami with sensational goal and assist records, alongside LAFC forward Son Heung-Min and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Müller, ensuring global attention will be fixed on the race for the MLS Cup.
The Road to the MLS Cup
The playoffs begin this Wednesday with two must-win Wild Card matches, pitting the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in each conference against each other. Following that, the tournament shifts to a best-of-three Round One series before returning to a single-elimination format for all subsequent rounds. The season will culminate with the MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 6, which will be broadcast on the FOX network.
Official MLS Cup Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference Wild Card
- (8) Chicago Fire FC vs. (9) Orlando City
Western Conference Wild Card
- (8) Portland Timbers vs. (9) Real Salt Lake
Eastern Conference Round One (Best of 3)
- (1) Philadelphia Union vs. Wild Card Winner
- (2) FC Cincinnati vs. (7) Columbus Crew
- (3) Inter Miami CF vs. (6) Nashville SC
- (4) Charlotte FC vs. (5) New York City FC
Western Conference Round One (Best of 3)
- (1) San Diego FC vs. Wild Card Winner
- (2) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. (7) FC Dallas
- (3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC
- (4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC
Image Referance: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/10/19/mls-making-playoff-matches-available-to-all-apple-tv-subscribers/