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How To Watch the MLS Cup Playoffs Without Cable

Here's what to know about MLS Season Pass, including which games you can stream for free as Lionel Messi looks to secure Inter Miami's first title

By Jonathan Zavaleta

Jonathan Zavaleta

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October 22, 2024

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lionel messi playing with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami CF. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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If there was any doubt about the impact Lionel Messi would have in the MLS, it’s been put to bed, as Inter Miami is the team to beat ahead of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. With 22 wins, the most of any team, Messi’s squad sits atop the Eastern Conference. Behind them is last year’s winner, Columbus Crew.

At A Glance: How To Watch Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs

In the West, it’s the LA show, with LAFC and LA Galaxy sitting at #1 and #2 with 19 wins apiece. The two Los Angeles teams have the same number of points and an identical win-tie-loss record. The standings just barely break in LAFC’s favor because of the goal differential (number of goals scored minus the number of goals conceded); LAFC leads Galaxy 20 to 19.

Whether you’ve been an MLS fan since ’95, or you’re just tuning in to see if Messi can add yet another coveted trophy to his mantle, the best way to watch Major League Soccer is with MLS Season Pass. Owned by Apple, MLS Season Pass is available as an add-on to an Apple TV+ subscription or as a standalone subscription.

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How to Watch the 2024 MLS Playoffs For Free

MLS entered into a 10-year streaming partnership with Apple TV and left its previous broadcaster, ESPN. This partnership means every game is being shown on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass app, a large chunk of games are being shown on Apple TV (without the add-on MLS Season Pass app), and a few games will be available on cable and satellite TV via FOX or FS1.

Here’s what you need to know about streaming the 2024 MLS playoffs games online using Apple TV and/or a live TV streaming service.

1. Stream Every MLS Playoff Game on Apple TV+ with MLS Season Pass

Unlike many leagues, where fans have to suffer through regional blackouts and a confusing patchwork of streaming services, everything MLS can be found with Apple’s MLS Season Pass. Plus, every game in the wild card and best-of-3 matches are available for free. That means soccer fans can stream these games through the Apple TV app without a subscription.

It’s still a good idea to sign up for the MLS Season Pass now, as later games are likely to require a subscription. Because the season is coming to a close, Apple cut the price of the season pass to $9.99. Best of all, if you already have an Apple TV+ subscription, you can enjoy the playoffs at no additional cost. The 2025 season automatically renews at full price, which is $14.99 without an Apple TV+ subscription and $12.99 with Apple TV+.

MLS Season Pass is available with or without an Apple TV+ subscription, but you’ll still need the Apple TV app, which is available on smart TVs like Samsung, LG, and Sony, as well as streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV, and Apple’s streaming device.

2. Watch Select Games on FS1

Select games are available on FS1, Fox’s cable sports channel. If you don’t have cable or satellite, you can get access to FS1 with a live-streaming service. Options include DirecTV Stream, which has a massive selection of channels, Fubo, which is popular for its broad selection of sports channels, or Sling, which offers a narrower selection of channels for a lower price.

MLS Bracket 2024: Teams and Schedule

The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs kick off today with the wild card round, with Atlanta United FC traveling to face off against CF Montreal at 7:30 ET/ 4:30 PT. The winner will take on Inter-Miami in a Best-of-3 matchup. Orlando will take on Charlotte FC, FC Cincinnati will face New York City FC, and Columbus Crew will go up against the New York Red Bulls.

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In the Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will travel to Portland to face the Timbers at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT. The winner will face off against LAFC for a Best-of-3 matchup. Seattle Sounders FC will take on the Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake will face Minnesota United FC, and LA Galaxy will face Colorado Rapids. The Best-of-3 matchup will be followed by the semifinals, conference final, and the MLS Cup. You can see the full bracket here.

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