Watch MLS in Canada for Free or Cheap
Watch MLS in Canada for Free or Cheap

With new media rights taking effect in 2026, many Canadian fans are asking a simple but important question:

Is it possible to watch MLS legally in Canada for free or at a low cost?

The short answer is yes, partially, but with limits.

The long answer depends on how many matches you want to watch, which teams you follow, and how much you are willing to pay.

This guide breaks down all legal options available in Canada, from free access to the cheapest full-season solution.

Read more:

- MLS 2026 Schedule Explained: Key Dates, World Cup Break, and What Fans Need to Know

- Full List of All 30 MLS Teams in 2026: Founding, Owners, Titles, Stars, and Season Outlook

- MLS 2026 Season Preview: Dates, World Cup Pause, Apple TV Changes, and What US Fans Should Watch

Is There a 100% Free and Legal Way to Watch All MLS Matches?

The honest answer: No.

There is no legal platform in Canada that offers every MLS match for free.
However, there are legitimate ways to watch:

  • Some matches for free

  • Or many matches at a very low monthly cost

Understanding the difference is key.

Free and Legal Ways to Watch MLS in Canada (Limited Access)

2.1 Free MLS Matches on Apple TV

From 2026 onward, Apple TV remains the central platform for Major League Soccer.

Apple regularly offers:

  • Free featured MLS matches

  • No subscription required

  • Only an Apple ID needed

These matches are available via:

  • tv.apple.com

  • Apple TV app on phones, TVs, and browsers

Limitations

  • Only selected matches

  • No guarantee your favorite team will be included

  • No full-season access

Best for: Casual fans who want to watch MLS occasionally without paying.

Watching MLS for Free with a Cable TV Subscription

If you already have a Canadian cable TV package, you may be able to watch MLS without extra cost.

Canadian broadcasters include:

  • TSN

  • RDS

They show:

  • Selected regular-season MLS matches

  • Focus on Canadian clubs (Toronto FC, CF Montréal, Vancouver Whitecaps)

  • Some playoff games

Important

  • This is only “free” if you already pay for cable

  • Coverage is limited and inconsistent

Highlights and Match Clips (Not Full Games)

MLS provides:

  • Match highlights

  • Goals and recaps

  • Short-form content

Available on:

  • Official MLS website

  • MLS YouTube channels

No full live matches are available this way.

The Cheapest Legal Way to Watch Most or All MLS Matches

3.1 Apple TV: Best Value for Full MLS Coverage

From 2026, all MLS matches are included directly with an Apple TV subscription.
There is no separate MLS Season Pass.

Estimated Apple TV Pricing in Canada

  • Monthly: approximately CAD 9–10

  • Annual: approximately CAD 90–100

What you get

  • Every MLS match (regular season + playoffs)

  • No blackouts

  • Live and on-demand viewing

  • Works on nearly all devices

Cost efficiency

  • Lowest cost per match

  • Cheaper than traditional sports channels for MLS fans

Best for: Fans who want reliable, complete MLS access at the lowest overall price.

Why TSN and RDS Are Not the Cheapest MLS Solutions

TSN Direct

  • Approx. CAD 19.99 per month

  • MLS is a small part of the schedule

  • Focus remains on NHL, NBA, NFL

RDS

  • Similar pricing to TSN

  • Even fewer MLS matches

  • French-language focus

Conclusion

  • More expensive than Apple TV

  • Not suitable if MLS is your main priority

Cost vs Value Comparison (Canada, 2026)

Cost vs Value Comparison (Canada, 2026)
Cost vs Value Comparison (Canada, 2026)

Smart Strategies to Watch MLS for Less Money

  • Watch every week: Apple TV annual plan

  • Watch occasionally: Apple TV free matches + highlights

  • Only follow Canadian teams: TSN or RDS (if already included in your cable)

  • Avoid: Buying TSN or RDS solely for MLS

Final Verdict

  • There is no fully free way to watch all MLS matches legally in Canada

  • Apple TV is the cheapest and most complete MLS solution from 2026

  • Free matches and cable broadcasts are useful supplements, not replacements

For most fans, Apple TV offers the best balance of legality, affordability, and access.