I know some people out there think Major League Soccer (MLS) is the annoying stepchild of European soccer. But if you ask me, it’s the playoffs when these talented players really shine.
It’s survival of the fittest as clubs fight for a place in the 2025 MLS Cup Final. The MLS Playoffs will air on MLS Season Pass and FOX Sports networks from October to December, with the grand finale on Saturday, December 6.
This season, the playoffs continue last year’s format of 18 playoff teams. The top seven clubs from the Eastern and Western Conferences qualify for Round One, while the eighth and ninth seeds from each conference must first battle it out in the Wild Card Round.
Keep reading to see what specific channels you’ll need to watch the playoffs and how you can tune in for free.
What channels are the MLS Playoffs on?
The 2025 MLS Playoffs will stream on MLS Season Pass, with select broadcasts airing on FOX and FS1. MLS Season Pass features English- and Spanish-language commentary, but Fox Deportes also shows playoff games en Español.
Pro tip: International MLS fans can watch the MLS Playoffs on MLS Season Pass, while select games will also air on TSN and RDS in Canada.
MLS Playoffs TV schedule
The 2025 MLS Playoffs begin with wild card matches on Wednesday, October 22, after what will surely be an exhilarating Decision Day on Saturday, October 18. As usual, the playoffs will feature intense action that culminates in the MLS Cup Final—set for Saturday, December 6.
I’ve laid out the TV schedule below for viewing details on all the playoff matches. I’ll update it with teams and times as more information becomes available.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | English channels | Spanish channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card | ||||
| Orlando City at Chicago Fire | Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 8:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Real Salt Lake at Portland Timbers | Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 10:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Round One (Best of 3) | ||||
| Nashville SC at Inter Miami (Game 1) | Friday, Oct. 24 | 8:00 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| Chicago Fire at Philadelphia Union (Game 1) | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 5:30 p.m. | FS1, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| FC Dallas at Vancouver Whitecaps (Game 1) | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Portland Timbers at San Diego FC (Game 1) | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 9:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Columbus Crew at FC Cincinnati (Game 1) | Monday, Oct. 27 | 6:45 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| Seattle Sounders at Minnesota United (Game 1) | Monday, Oct. 27 | 9:00 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| New York City FC at Charlotte FC (Game 1) | Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 6:45 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| Austin FC at LAFC (Game 1) | Wednesday, Oct 29 | 10:30 p.m. | FS1, MLS Season Pass | FS1, MLS Season Pass |
| Charlotte FC at New York City FC (Game 2) | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 3:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Philadelphia Union at Chicago Fire (Game 2) | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 5:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Inter Miami at Nashville SC (Game 2) | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| San Diego FC at Portland Timbers (Game 2) | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 9:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Vancouver Whitecaps at FC Dallas (Game 2) | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 9:30 p.m. | TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| FC Cincinnati at Columbus Crew (Game 2) | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| LAFC at Austin FC (Game 2) | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 8:45 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| Minnesota United at Seattle Sounders (Game 2) | Monday, Nov. 3 | 10:45 p.m. | FS1, TSN, RDS, MLS Season Pass | Fox Deportes, MLS Season Pass |
| New York City FC at Charlotte FC (Game 3) | Friday, Nov. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Seattle Sounders at Minnesota United (Game 3) | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 4:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Columbus Crew at FC Cincinnati (Game 3) | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 6:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Nashville SC at Inter Miami (Game 3) | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Portland Timbers at San Diego FC (Game 3) | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 9:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Conference Semifinals | ||||
| Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 9:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami | Sunday, Nov, 23 | 5:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC | Sunday, Nov, 23 | 7:30 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United | Monday, Nov, 24 | 10:00 p.m. | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| Conference Finals | ||||
| TBD | Saturday, Nov. 29 | TBA | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| TBD | Sunday, Nov. 30 | TBA | MLS Season Pass | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS Cup Final | ||||
| TBD | Saturday, Dec. 6 | TBA | MLS Season Pass, FOX | MLS Season Pass, Fox Deportes |
Data effective as of post date.
*If necessary
Best TV plans for watching the MLS Playoffs
For my money, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is the best way to watch the 2025 MLS Playoffs. At $14.99 a month or $9.99 for the remainder of the season, it’s an inexpensive viewing option for anyone with reliable internet. You also get in-depth studio coverage and on-demand access to every game—a great feature if you can’t tune in live.
If you prefer a more comprehensive TV provider, we recommend Hulu + Live TV because it comes with every FOX Sports channel and ESPN+. That’ll get you select MLS playoff games and live coverage of many other soccer leagues—including the German Bundesliga, La Liga, and the USL Championship. You’ll even get complete access to other marquee soccer tournaments like the NWSL Playoffs and FIFA Club World Cup.
Which TV providers offer MLS playoff channels?
If you prefer to browse more TV providers for playoff coverage, we outlined some of the most popular ones in the table below.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets.
†May require Spanish-language plan or separate add-on.
How to watch the MLS Playoffs for free
CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $46.99 (as of 7/25/25 11:20 a.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
There’s no way to watch the entire MLS Playoffs for free. But some playoff games air on FOX, which is free to access if you live near a local network affiliate. You only need an over-the-air (OTA) antenna that’s strong enough to pick up the channel’s signal. Then, you’ll get every matchup on FOX—including the MLS Cup Final—without paying a monthly subscription.
Of course, the antenna itself isn’t free. But it’s a one-time purchase that will last several seasons and provide live sports year-round—including MLB, NFL, and Premier League games.
We recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 because its 60-mile range and included amplifier are ideal for clear channel reception. But you’ll first want to enter your zip code on the FCC’s Reception Map Tool to confirm a FOX affiliate is within range of your home.
If you require a wider-range antenna, visit our Best Antennas for Cord-Cutters page for more recommendations.
How to watch the MLS Playoffs FAQ
What channel is the MLS Cup Playoffs on?
The MLS Playoffs stream entirely on MLS Season Pass. But select playoff games also air on FOX Sports channels in the U.S., while TSN and RDS networks show some playoff matchups in Canada.
Does ESPN+ have the MLS Playoffs?
No, ESPN+ doesn’t have live MLS playoff games. Instead, you’ll need an MLS Season Pass subscription to stream the complete MLS Cup Playoffs.
Does Apple TV have the MLS Playoffs?
Yes, you can watch the MLS Playoffs on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass add-on subscription. Select playoff games may also stream on Apple TV+.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com sports editor, Taylor Kujawa, examined the best ways to watch the MLS Playoffs by comparing the prices and channel offerings of the most popular TV services. He selected his English- and Spanish-language viewing recommendations based on convenience—focusing on channel availability, pricing, and ease of signing up.
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 7/25/25 11:20 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.
