MLS Playoff Matches Accessible to All Apple TV Subscribers
MLS fans will be excited to learn that all playoff matches will be accessible to Apple TV subscribers without any extra charges. This initiative expands the audience, allowing more viewers to engage with the games beyond those who have opted for the MLS Season Pass.
Playoff Accessibility on Apple TV
This strategic move by MLS aligns with a significant transition from previous seasons. It aims to enhance viewership for a greater number of games available to Apple TV subscribers.
Decision Day Highlights
The regular MLS season concluded with a decisive Decision Day, where FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake secured their playoff spots at the expense of San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids. This last-minute action underscored the competitive nature of the league.
Star Players to Watch
Fans can look forward to seeing some of the league’s most remarkable talents during the playoff matches. Key players include:
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami – League leader in goals and assists
- Son Heung-Min, LAFC – Featured star forward
- Thomas Müller, Vancouver Whitecaps – Prominent midfielder
Playoff Format and Schedule
The MLS Cup Playoffs will kick off on Wednesday with Wild Card matches featuring the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds from each conference. These games will set the stage for the best-of-three Round One, starting on Friday.
This playoff format is now in its third season, transitioning to single-elimination in the later rounds. Fans will mark their calendars for the MLS Cup, which is slated for December 6.
Broadcast Options
In addition to Apple TV and the MLS Season Pass, Select playoff games will be available through various networks:
- Fox Sports (FS1 and Fox Deportes) in the U.S.
- TSN and RDS in Canada
The MLS Cup will be broadcast on Fox’s flagship network, ensuring widespread reach for this thrilling event.
Upcoming Matchups
Here’s a look at the anticipated playoff matchups:
Eastern Conference Wild Card
- Chicago Fire FC vs. Orlando City SC
Western Conference Wild Card
- Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
Eastern Conference Round One
- (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 Round One
- (1) San Diego FC vs. (8/9) Portland or Salt Lake
- (2) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. (7) FC Dallas
- (3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC
- (4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC
Fans are gearing up for an exciting playoff season, with top teams and star players ready to deliver memorable performances.
