Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to enhance its viewing experience with the introduction of "Sunday Night Soccer" on Apple TV for the 2025 season. This new weekly feature promises to deliver marquee matchups with enhanced production quality, dedicated pre- and post-game shows, and a fresh studio setup, marking a significant evolution in how fans engage with the league.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: The first Sunday Night Soccer match will air on February 23, 2025.
- Featured Match: San Diego FC vs. LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS Cup champions.
- Broadcast Team: English commentary by Jake Zivin, Taylor Twellman, and Andrew Wiebe; Spanish commentary by Sammy Sadovnik and Diego Valeri.
- Pricing: MLS Season Pass remains at $14.99/month or $99/season, with discounts for Apple TV+ subscribers.
- Promotions: Free access for T-Mobile customers and integrated viewing for Comcast Xfinity users.
The 2025 MLS season is set to kick off on February 22, with select preseason matches available for streaming starting February 11. The introduction of Sunday Night Soccer is part of a broader strategy to engage fans and enhance the viewing experience, as MLS continues its partnership with Apple under a 10-year agreement.
What Is Sunday Night Soccer?
Sunday Night Soccer will feature a marquee matchup every week, showcasing the best of MLS talent. The production will include:
- Enhanced Production: A focus on high-quality visuals and graphics.
- Dedicated Studio Programming: Pre- and post-game shows to analyze the matches and provide insights.
- Bespoke Graphics: Unique visual elements tailored for each game.
The first match will see San Diego FC, the newest addition to the league, face off against the LA Galaxy, promising an exciting start to the series.
Viewing Options and Pricing
Fans can access the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app, with the following pricing structure:
- Standard Pricing: $14.99/month or $99 for the full season.
- Apple TV+ Subscribers: Discounted rates of $12.99/month or $79 for the season.
Additionally, all Sunday Night Soccer matches will be available for free to Apple TV+ subscribers, making it easier for fans to catch the action without a full Season Pass.
Promotions and Partnerships
To further enhance accessibility, MLS has partnered with several service providers:
- T-Mobile: Offers free MLS Season Pass access to qualified customers.
- Comcast Xfinity: Provides an integrated viewing experience and free access to the MLS 360 whip-around show for all subscribers.
- DirecTV: Offers a free preview of the MLS Season Pass from February 22 to March 1.
Additional Content
In addition to the matches, the 2025 season will also see the premiere of "Onside: Major League Soccer," an eight-part documentary series that promises to give fans an all-access look into the league. The first episode will be available for free to all MLS Season Pass subscribers from February 21 to March 3.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed excitement about the new season, stating, "Our partnership with Apple has redefined how fans experience Major League Soccer, bringing the league to more people around the world than ever before. With the addition of ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ and the debut of ‘Onside: Major League Soccer,’ 2025 will be our best season yet."
As the league continues to innovate and expand its reach, fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with thrilling matches and enhanced viewing experiences.