MLS and Apple make playoff games available to all Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost
MLS and Apple are offering the league’s entire playoff games to all Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost, making games accessible to a broader audience than those who specifically subscribe to the MLS Season Pass service. The move builds on a change in strategy from the regular season and Leagues Cup, which involved increasing the number of matches available to those who subscribe to the wider entertainment service.
The league wrapped up its regular season with a full set of Decision Day games yesterday. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake each clinched a playoff berth on the final day of the season at the expense of the Earthquakes and Rapids. The 18-team playoff field includes some of this season’s hottest stars, including Inter Miami MF Lionel Messi (who led the league in goals and assists), LAFC F Son Heung-Min and Whitecaps MF Thomas Müller.
The MLS Cup Playoffs begin Wednesday with two Wild Card games (No. 8 vs. No. 9 in each conference), with the first full best-of-three round beginning Friday. This will be the league’s third season under this playoff format, which moves to single elimination in all subsequent rounds. The MLS Cup is scheduled for December 6.
In addition to Apple TV and MLS Season Pass matches, select playoff matches will also be available via Fox Sports in the United States (FS1 and Fox Deportes) and on TSN and RDS in Canada. The MLS Cup will air on Fox’s flagship broadcast network.
MLS Cup Playoffs
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: first round (best of 3)
(1) Philadelphia Union vs. (8/9) Chicago or Orlando
(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: first round (best of 3)
(1) San Diego FC vs. (8/9) Portland or Salt Lake
(2) Vancouver Whitecaps vs. (7) FC Dallas
(3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC
(4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC
