You can't stream live Premier League matches directly through a dedicated Apple TV channel because Apple doesn't hold the broadcasting rights for the English top flight. Apple TV does host Major League Soccer through MLS Season Pass, but live Premier League games require third-party broadcaster apps. You can still use your Apple TV hardware or the Apple TV app to watch every single fixture by downloading apps like Fubo or NBC Sports in the United States, or Sky Sports and TNT Sports in the UK.
Navigating the ecosystem of sports broadcasting rights can feel confusing, especially when hardware brands and streaming services share similar names. This guide breaks down exactly how to use your Apple TV device to access live Premier League coverage, which apps you need, and how to set everything up without wasting money on duplicate subscriptions.
Understanding Premier League Broadcasting Rights
The Premier League doesn't sell global rights to a single streaming platform. Instead, broadcasting licenses are split by country and region. In the United States, NBC Sports holds the exclusive English-language rights, airing matches across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. In the UK, matches are split between Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.
Because Apple's hardware functions as an open streaming media player, it supports the apps that hold these local rights. When people search for how to watch soccer on Apple TV, they often confuse Apple TV (the streaming device or app interface) with Apple TV+ (the subscription service) or MLS Season Pass. None of these Apple-owned tiers include live Premier League matches.
Setting Up Third-Party Apps on Your Apple TV
Since you need external broadcaster apps to watch matches live, your Apple TV box acts as the central hub. Follow these steps to configure your device for matchday:
- Turn on your Apple TV and open the App Store from the home screen.
- Search for your regional broadcaster app. If you're in the US, search for Fubo, Peacock, or NBC Sports. If you're in the UK, look for NOW (for Sky Sports) or Discovery+ (for TNT Sports).
- Select the app and click Get to download and install it.
- Log in using an existing subscription or sign up directly through the app interface using your Apple ID billing.
- Move the sports apps to the top row of your Apple TV home screen for quick access before kickoff.
Using Live Sports Integration in the Apple TV App
Even though live streams run inside third-party apps, the native Apple TV app includes a sports integration feature that tracks matches across different services.
Open the Apple TV app and navigate to the Search or Sports tab. You can favorite your preferred Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester United. When your favorite team plays, the Apple TV app displays a live score banner and offers a direct "Open In" link that jumps straight into the correct third-party streaming app. This saves you from hunting through multiple apps to find out which network is broadcasting the game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many viewers run into frustrating roadblocks when trying to watch soccer on streaming devices. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Subscribing to Apple TV+ by mistake: Buying an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to original movies and series, but it won't unlock live Premier League games.
- Ignoring regional blackouts: If you rely on local broadcast apps, verify whether your region restricts local matches due to domestic blackout rules.
- Overlooking VPN restrictions: Streaming apps enforce strict geographic locks. Using an unsupported Virtual Private Network on your Apple TV router can cause error codes or block streams entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Premier League games for free on Apple TV?
No. Live Premier League broadcasts require a subscription to a licensed network provider. Free options are generally limited to match highlights and analysis shows rather than live 90-minute broadcasts.
Does MLS Season Pass include Premier League matches?
No. MLS Season Pass covers Major League Soccer exclusively and has no affiliation with the English Premier League.
Why can't I find a dedicated Premier League app on Apple TV?
The Premier League distributes rights to regional networks rather than operating its own direct-to-consumer streaming app in major Western markets. You must download the app of the network holding your local rights.
