Major League Soccer is back. But to watch most of the 2024 season unfold on TV, you’ll need MLS Season Pass—a streaming service available exclusively through the Apple TV app.
FOX Sports networks like FOX and FS1 will still carry select MLS games. But you won’t find matches on ESPN and Univision channels like in years past—meaning fewer games will appear on traditional cable networks.
Before you bicycle kick your remote out the window, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about watching MLS games this season. Keep scrolling for all the details—including channel listings and important dates.
What channels have MLS games?
MLS Season Pass has every MLS game this season. But traditional channels like FOX and FS1 still air select games in the U.S., while Fox Deportes carries some Spanish-language simulcasts.
Here’s a list of MLS channels with last season’s regular-season game counts for easy comparison:
- MLS Season Pass (493 games)
- FOX (15 games)
- FS1 (19 games)
- Fox Deportes (34 games en Español)
In Canada, TSN and RDS will broadcast select regular-season and playoff games—including the MLS Cup Final. The two channels will also air Leagues Cup matches from the Group Stage and Round of 32.
MLS schedule: key events and channels
The 2024 MLS regular season stretches from MLS Is Back Opening Weekend on February 21 to Decision Day on October 19. You can visit the official MLS Schedule page to see a list of all fixtures; otherwise, we highlighted key dates in the table below.
Following the MLS All-Star Game in late July, the regular season will pause for the Leagues Cup. All MLS and Liga MX clubs will compete in the month-long tournament, which wraps up on August 25.
From there, fans can look forward to the MLS Playoffs, starting in mid-October. The MLS Cup Final will cap off the season on December 7.
| Event | Start date | English channels | Spanish channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS All-Star Game | July 24, 2024 | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Leagues Cup | July 26, 2024 | MLS Season Pass, FS1 | MLS Season Pass, UniMás, Univision, TUDN |
| Leagues Cup Final | August 25, 2024 | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass, UniMás, TUDN |
| MLS Playoffs | October 2024 | MLS Season Pass, FOX, FS1 | MLS Season Pass, Fox Deportes |
| MLS Cup Final | December 7, 2024 | MLS Season Pass, FOX | MLS Season Pass, Fox Deportes |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plan for watching MLS games
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Every MLS game
- English- and Spanish-language commentary
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- No cable or satellite alternative
- No multiview across all devices
- Device limitations
Apple TV offers the best TV plan for watching MLS games through its MLS Season Pass streaming service, regularly available for $14.99 a month.
Unlike other streaming platforms dedicated to various leagues, MLS Season Pass has every match from every team without blackout restrictions. That’s a big deal for stateside soccer fans, who no longer need to rely on RSNs or out-of-market TV add-ons.
Another great benefit of MLS Season Pass is that every broadcast has English- and Spanish-language commentary. The service also delivers full-match replays, analysis programs, and a live whip-around show in the vein of MLB Big Inning and NFL RedZone.
Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can get MLS Season Pass at the discounted price of $12.99 a month. Going that route will level up your game with Apple Originals like Ted Lasso and Severance, plus exclusive Friday Night Baseball games.
Of course, MLS Season Pass requires a strong internet connection. That’s all fine and dandy for cord-cutters, but it’s less than ideal for cable and satellite TV users. No matter your situation, our Best Internet for Streaming guide is an excellent resource for improving your streaming experience.
Other ways to watch MLS games
Outside of MLS Season Pass, you can only watch MLS games through TV services that offer FOX, FS1, and Fox Deportes. Other Spanish-language channels like UniMás, Univision, and TUDN air Leagues Cup matches featuring MLS clubs but no actual MLS regular-season or playoff games.
MLS teams participate in other competitions like the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, each tournament has separate broadcaster agreements ranging from CBS Sports and TNT Sports to FOX Sports and Telemundo Deportes.
Most lower-tier TV plans feature FOX and FS1 for basic MLS coverage, so choosing a way to tune in comes down to personal preference. Our Best TV Providers page outlines many fantastic cable, satellite, and live TV streaming options. But if you decide to go the cable route, you’ll want to verify what providers are available in your area.
How to watch MLS games for free
*CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $39.99 (as of 2/9/24 11:00 a.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
The easiest way to watch free MLS games this season is by using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to catch all games airing on FOX. But first, you’ll want to check that a FOX affiliate is within range of your home by entering your zip code on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Reception Map Tool.
If a FOX station is in your area, you can choose any antenna with a wide enough range to pick up the channel. We recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 because it can receive signals from broadcast towers up to 60 miles away. It’s also 4K-ready and has a thin design that’s easy to mount in your home.
Besides FOX, local channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC air professional soccer games. ABC occasionally airs Bundesliga and La Liga matches, CBS has some UEFA Champions League and NWSL coverage, and NBC typically shows a Premier League game once a week. So, keep an eye out for those channels when you use the Reception Map Tool.
Pro tip: Some MLS games stream free on the Apple TV app. Even if you don’t get MLS Season Pass, you should download the app to your streaming device to watch those free matches.
Where to watch MLS in the US
MLS Season Pass is the best way to watch Major League Soccer in the U.S. and globally. Available through the Apple TV app, the streaming service has every MLS game with English- and Spanish-language commentary—including Leagues Cup and MLS NEXT matches. It costs $14.99 a month for the 2024 season, and existing Apple TV+ subscribers can get it at a discounted price.
If you’re a casual MLS viewer or don’t have access to fast and reliable internet, any TV plan that offers FOX and FS1 will set you up with a slice of MLS action. The FOX Sports channels included 34 regular-season MLS games in 2023, so don’t expect to see your favorite team too often on broadcast and cable TV.
How to watch Major League Soccer FAQ
Which streaming service has MLS?
Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass have MLS games available through the Apple TV app. You can also watch select MLS games with any live TV streaming service that carries FOX and FS1, such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Does ESPN+ have every MLS game?
No, ESPN+ no longer shows any MLS games. Before the 2023 season, the streaming service carried out-of-market MLS matches. But ESPN declined to make a new TV rights deal with MLS following the league’s partnership with Apple.
Can I watch MLS without Apple TV?
Yes, you can watch select MLS matches without access to Apple TV. During the regular season, 30+ games will air on FOX Sports channels like FOX and FS1. Those networks will also broadcast certain MLS playoff games and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Are MLS preseason games on TV?
No, most MLS preseason games don’t air on TV because they typically happen behind closed doors. But occasionally, teams participate in winter tournaments that stream on MLS Season Pass.
Methodology
Our sports experts have followed Major League Soccer for more than a decade. Because of the league’s TV deal with Apple, we spent over 10 hours researching and testing the best new ways to watch MLS. We based our viewing recommendations on pricing, provider accessibility, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Amazon.com price as of 2/9/24 11:00 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
