MLS is back in late February, and the league and Apple are offering free games for the opening portion of the season. In fact, MLS plans to offer a number of free games throughout the campaign.

The biggest opportunity to watch free MLS games is the first week of the season. Every single game on the weekend of Feb. 25-26 is free on Apple TV. That is in a move to give fans a glimpse into what MLS Season Pass can offer. Plus, it can be a test run for the moderate fans that may not be as diehard as other MLS supporters.

However, at least for the first three weeks of the season, there are six free games on Apple TV every matchday.

For now, that free schedule only runs through matchday four, which concludes on March 19. Instead of MLS focusing on just a handful of the more ‘popular’ teams in MLS, almost all teams feature in the three weeks following the opening matchday for free on Apple TV. The only two that do not are New England and Orlando.

Something else to recognize is that each game on FOX is also available for free on Apple TV. FOX is the only TV home of Major League Soccer this season, with ESPN and Univision both backing out.

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With streaming, MLS Season Pass makes every game, regardless of whether or not it is free or on TV, available for subscribers. The base fee of $14.99 per month. That is the key to watching every MLS game.

However, if you are still unsure about subscribing to MLS Season Pass, there are 32 games you can watch for free. These are all available on Apple TV.

Matchday 1 (Feb. 25 and 26)

ALL 14 games available for FREE on Apple

Matchday 2 (Saturday, March 4)
  • LAFC vs. Portland
  • Columbus vs. D.C. United
  • Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union
  • New York Red Bulls vs. Nashville SC
  • Chicago Fire vs. NYCFC
  • San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver
Matchday 3 (March 11 and 12)
  • Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United
  • FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders
  • Nashville SC vs. Montreal
  • Real Salt Lake vs. Austin FC
  • Portland Timbers vs. St. Louis CITY
  • San Jose Earthquakes vs. Colorado Rapids
Matchday 4 (March 18 and 19)
  • Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC
  • Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami
  • FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City
  • Houston Dynamo vs. Austin FC
  • Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United
  • LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver

Photo: IMAGO / photothek

Guide to Major League Soccer

Here are some resources to help you get the most out of MLS Season Pass!
TV Schedule: All the info on where and when to watch every game
Season Pass FAQ: We answer your questions about MLS Season Pass
Sign up: Learn how to subscribe to MLS Season Pass
Commentators: Check out who's calling the action for the MLS season
Android users Tips for fans Android users on how to watch MLS Season Pass