Mobile Tech

Apple Cuts Contract Duration by Three Years

Published

3 months ago

November 19, 2025

Apple made headlines last week by removing the paywall for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, allowing all subscribers to access Major League Soccer matches at no extra cost. However, this move also came with a significant change in the agreement between Apple and MLS.

The original deal signed in 2022 was a $2.5 billion agreement to make Apple TV the exclusive home of Major League Soccer for a decade, until 2032. The new agreement shortens this deal by 3.5 years, now scheduled to end in 2029.

Despite the shortened timeframe, Apple’s financial commitment to MLS remains relatively unchanged, with over $850 million allocated to the league until 2029:

For the 2026 season, MLS will receive $200 million, followed by $107.5 million for the shortened 2027 season. Subsequently, $275 million will be paid for each of the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons, as reported by Sportico. The new deal was presented to MLS ownership during league meetings in Florida.

Eben Novy-Williams and Jacob Feldman, Sportico

One key aspect of the revised deal is the transition of MLS schedule from the current calendar year to align with European seasons, starting in 2027. The additional $107.5 million covers the “sprint” period in early 2027 bridging the gap between seasons.

While the deal has been shortened, Apple will continue to pay an average of $250 million per season, with a slight increase over the original agreement. The revised terms also eliminate Apple’s option to withdraw from the deal in 2027.

Despite the potential loss of the escape clause, Apple’s commitment to the partnership remains strong. Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, expressed a desire for the deal to extend indefinitely. The new terms reflect the standard practice in sports agreements, providing stability for both parties.

It is unclear to what extent Apple influenced the standalone MLS Season Pass, as the deal aimed to secure subscription revenue and revenue-sharing agreements. Apple’s approach with other sports content, such as Friday Night Baseball and Formula One streaming, suggests a preference for inclusive offerings under the Apple TV umbrella.

Looking ahead, the Apple-MLS relationship may evolve into a broader sports ecosystem by 2029. The potential for a diversified sports portfolio on Apple TV hints at a dynamic future for sports streaming services.

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