Major League Soccer is one of the fastest-growing soccer leagues in the world. The league is also the darling child of every local US Soccer fan. Teams like LAFC, LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, and Columbus Crew are building passionate and loyal fanbases that would go to war for the badge.
With the current MLS season reaching its conclusion stages, the drama and the stakes are higher than ever. The league, in recent years, has moved to Apple TV and is an exclusive with the season pass on the platform.
However, there are some ways in which you can watch the MLS without an Apple TV MLS Season Pass. GOAL has some alternative ways to catch the MLS action.
Can You Watch MLS Without Apple TV?
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MLS was broadcast on national channels like ESPN and NBC Sports recently. However, since 2023, the landscape has shifted massively. Apple TV became the new home of the league and broadcasts every game of the tournament. All MLS games and Leagues Cup matches are streamed worldwide on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
However, if you do not want to add one more subscription to your exisiting list of never-ending subscriptions, we offer you alternative methods of watching the MLS. After all, select games are available on other platforms.
Fubo: Your Best Streaming Alternative
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The unprecedented deal with Apple TV led to the end of the previous regional sports network-based system. ESPN and Univision exited negotiations because MLS would not allow them to stream via their own platforms. There was a catch in the deal as it allowed simulcast on linear television. Fox Sports seized this opportunity and joined Apple as MLS's linear broadcast partners in the US. Fox Sports will simulcast nationally televised games, allowing fans to catch the MLS without Apple TV.
Streaming service provider Fubo boasts the Fox Sports network in its lineup, making it an ideal destination for fans. Fubo also offers cloud DVR, meaning you can even watch MLS on demand without Apple TV.
Fubo is the best option for you since it also has an impressive roster for other sports like MLB and NBA. Its affordable pricing makes it a one-stop shop for all your sporting needs.
Other Ways to Watch MLS Without Apple TV
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Some high-profile matches, including select playoffs and the MLS Cup, are broadcast on FOX or FS1. Nearly all the major streaming providers like, Fubo and DirecTV Stream, carry these channels.
If a match is on your local FOX affiliate, you can watch it for free with an Over-The-Air Antenna. Your traditional cable comes in handy as it often provides these channels for free.
What About Radio and Online Highlights?
If you do not feel like getting an Apple TV pass or the game you wanted to watch is not on simulcast, you can listen to these games for absolutely free. Many MLS clubs do provide free radio broadcasts of their games. They partner with local radio channels for this and even use their official apps for audio broadcasting.
Platforms like SiriusXM FC offer live radio coverage of every MLS game across platforms.
The online highlights are available on the official YouTube channels of all the MLS clubs, including the official league handle itself. Additionally, the MLS App also gives you instant access to game highlights and all the top plays.
The Bottom Line
Apple TV might be the home of the MLS for the last three seasons, but there is also a chance to catch select games without the app. The games simulcast on national channels are the best way of watching the MLS without an Apple TV subscription. Streaming services like Fubo and DirecTV make life easier for fans, and traditional cable always helps in this regard. For fans who prefer listening to games, they are available for free on platforms like SiriusXM FC.