Major League Soccer and Apple today announced that beginning in 2026, all @MLS matches will be available to stream for Apple TV subscribers at no additional cost.https://t.co/7F4mi445r0— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) November 13, 2025
Plus the apple TV news? All games will be on Apple TV for no additional cost. I guess this is good to get eye balls, but how does this create more revenue? How does MLS determine their cut? Is Apple TV about to get more expensive? Man, lots of news between playoff rounds.
MLS will take a break from mid-December through early to mid-February, as reported yesterday.Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August. But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away. https://t.co/WphZqjy61O— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) November 13, 2025
Doesn't MLS already have an asterisk in MLS history with the Eastern Conference Champion trophy sitting in our trophy case?
This new format reminds me of year round school (ie with “tracks”) that used to be in jordan school district quite a bit. There is no real off season (summer in year round). I expect the player with be frustrated that the midseason break could likely be just as long, if not longer, than the off season
I think there are some real challenges with this schedule format. The winter break will likely be longer than the summer break 1) They say they are going to observe FIFA dates. With September, October and November being about mid season, will they actually play through some of them? 2) How many games will they play between the Nov FIFA date and shutting down for winter? The start/stop would be annoying, but not as bad as it being in the middle of playoffs like now. 3) How many games will be between starting back up and Decision day in April? There's presumably ~11 weekends to play. Will there be schedule congestion from other tournaments? 4) Is Leagues Cup starting up near the beginning of the season? 5) I'm fully on board with a 16 team group stage tournament for the playoffs. I think you can make it happen in less than a month. 8 teams advance, single elimination; that's only 3 extra games for 2 teams. I guess you could do 3 groups of 4 and let the top 8 advance? 6) Warm weather teams will have more advantages between player recruitment, field conditions, weather, training (especially as the weather gets cold). I'm sure there are several I haven't thought of. 7) Won't they think of the kids? What's going to happen with the SuperDraft?!
I just meant it'll be the most meaningless Championship/Trophy. More so than any COVID era title. *As an RSL, it'll still count if they win.
The MLS is Back is Back trophy. This makes me wonder which teams have been the hottest early season teams over the past couple of years. Many of the MLS Cup winning teams haven't had hot starts to the season, but come alive in the second half of the season (LA Galaxy teams, Seattle Sounders, etc.). You won't have time to tinker with lineups, formations, etc. Will we finally see one of the remaining MLS Originals win a Cup (New England, Red Bulls, & FC Dallas)?
The other news that came out: no subscription for MLS Season Pass for subscribers to Apple TV. That'll save me $90 a year that I've paid since 2001 to one or another subscription to watch MLS games.
Does anyone know what RSL's lease term is for the RioT? I can only find info on the naming rights deal with AFCU. Depending on how many games we need to sit through in October, November, parts of December and February, and March, I've got to think attendance is going to decline. What's the chance the team gets sold and we end up with an(other) empty sports venue? -Mr. Sunshine
First, ******** you second, I’d still say low chance with the millers. If it was just Blitzer I’d be more concerned. third, I’ve been wrong on this entire thing (calendar change) so don’t count on anything I say. This whole thing feels like a NASL moment where the league services the few for a quick win but the mass losses
Don't they want to build a baseball stadium? What happened to a second stadium in the power district? Build a bigger one that's better suited for the new calendar?
Thoughts on this hypothetical lineup/formation: Cabral Yedlin Glad* Vera* Katranis Eneli Ruiz Ojeda Reyna Luna Olatunji Obviously step one is to acquire Gio Reyna, either on loan or permanent transfer. * I'm fine with replacing one or both CBs. Outside backs get high and wide, AMs can drift in and out, Ruiz offers playmaking from deep and both Eneli and Ojeda are pretty good getting forward and/or maintaining possession. Goncalves would have to go or we use the 3 DP roster model. If you go 3 DPs and no Goncalves, you could bring in a DP CB. Cruz can fill in for Luna after he gets sold, otherwise a DP starting on the bench is a huge waste. Renya could be a quick flip if he's sold after the World Cup, too.
Just read an addendum to this. Apple is pulling forward it's contract with MLS. It now ends after the 28-29 season.
Just got word that RSL will has a "Major" announcement scheduled for sometime on Thursday this week. No hints given and I have no idea what it might be. Nothing shared whether it's related to players, coaches, stadium, nothing so your guess is as good as mine. Maybe new straws policy? New dome cover for the new schedule? Wait a minute, Kyle Beckerman did just quit UVU so maybe that's the big announcement? I honestly don't know but I just put two and two together typing this up.