Welcome, San Jose Earthquakes fans—whether you've been rocking the blue and black since Spartan Stadium or just joined the Quakes faithful. Major League Soccer has entered a new era. As the league expands, so does its audience, and with it, the evolution of broadcasting rights. Gone are the days when flipping through local sports channels was enough. Now, navigating the different ways to catch a live Earthquakes match—especially on DirecTV—requires some clarity.
DIRECTV, a satellite television provider owned by DIRECTV Entertainment Holdings, LLC (a subsidiary of AT&T at the time of this writing), offers national sports coverage and access to premium networks. However, when it comes to MLS, the landscape has shifted dramatically under the league's new media agreements. Which games are carried nationally? What's only available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV? Which matchups are blacked out, and why?
This guide removes the guesswork. You'll find out exactly how to watch San Jose Earthquakes games on DIRECTV, understand the interplay between broadcast rights and streaming exclusivity, and know what to expect for the 2025 season and beyond. Let’s untangle the coverage so you never miss a goal, a tackle, or a last-minute winner at PayPal Park.
Since 2023, Major League Soccer entered a media rights partnership with Apple. This decade-long agreement made Apple TV the global home for all MLS matches, including those of the San Jose Earthquakes. The deal, valued at approximately $2.5 billion, spans regions beyond the U.S., eliminating geographic limitations for streaming. Fans now stream every game live and on-demand through the MLS Season Pass, available exclusively on the Apple TV app.
Before 2023, Earthquakes games followed a split model—some aired nationally on networks like ESPN, FOX, and Univision, while others were broadcast regionally through NBC Sports Bay Area. This created variability in access depending on game schedules and viewer locations.
That structure no longer exists. Since the Apple-MLS deal, all Earthquakes games—home or away, marquee matchups or regular season fixtures—stream under a unified platform. This shift removes the differentiation between local and national broadcasts, simplifying access for fans in San Jose and beyond.
MLS Season Pass functions as the single point of access for every Earthquakes broadcast. Within this platform, subscribers get:
Games no longer depend on DIRECTV’s regional sports carriage. Instead, DIRECTV subscribers needing San Jose Earthquakes content must bridge over to Apple’s ecosystem—or rely on national networks during select simulcasts when applicable.
Several significant changes redefined how Earthquakes matches reach audiences beginning in 2023:
For Earthquakes fans using DIRECTV, this shift means adapting their viewing habits: either by pairing DIRECTV with an Apple TV subscription or identifying the handful of games still televised on major national networks.
The official source for the San Jose Earthquakes match schedule is the team’s website: sjearthquakes.com/schedule. MLS also maintains a full league-wide calendar at mlssoccer.com/schedule. Both platforms break down fixtures by month and provide information on the opponent, venue, and broadcasting partner for each match.
In addition to these primary sources, the ESPN Soccer schedule and Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass interface also mirror up-to-date kickoff times and coverage channels.
San Jose Earthquakes home games most often start between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM Pacific Time. When the team plays on the East Coast or in Central Time locations, kickoff may occur as early as 4:30 PM PT. To adjust for your specific time zone:
Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass app also syncs to your device’s time zone settings, eliminating guesswork when checking match starts.
MLS frequently implements flex scheduling, particularly in the final two months of the regular season. During this period, the league may shift kickoff times or networks to highlight high-stakes matchups. If San Jose is in playoff contention or fighting for seeding, expect possible time or broadcast changes.
To stay ahead, monitor the Earthquakes’ official Twitter account and turn on app notifications via the MLS or DIRECTV mobile apps. Game times will also be updated on the DIRECTV guide, but push alerts provide the fastest way to catch a timing adjustment before kickoff.
DIRECTV’s reputation in live sports broadcasting stems from a well-curated sports channel lineup designed to deliver national and international competition to its subscribers. From top-tier soccer leagues to niche tournaments, viewers rely on DIRECTV to access consistent, high-definition coverage with reliable scheduling.
While San Jose Earthquakes games now primarily air via streaming through MLS Season Pass, several DIRECTV channels still carry MLS-related news, commentary, pre-game analysis, and occasional rebroadcasts. Here's a breakdown of the channels to follow closely:
Spanish-language broadcasts continue through channels like Univisión (Channel 402) and TUDN (Channel 464). These networks frequently run soccer-centric programming—including analysis, in-depth interviews, and international gameplay—that may feature Earthquakes players or MLS discussions.
To explore MLS content beyond the basics, DIRECTV subscribers can enhance access with sports add-ons. Packages like the SPORTS PACK, which includes more than 40 regional and specialty sports networks, allow viewers to catch regional pre-season matches, commentary shows, and archived content when available. While these packages won’t unlock live MLS matches due to the current streaming-first model, they supplement coverage by keeping fans immersed in the sport’s landscape.
DIRECTV no longer carries live San Jose Earthquakes games directly due to the Major League Soccer broadcasting rights transition in 2023. Apple gained exclusive rights under a 10-year agreement with MLS, meaning live matches stream solely through the Apple TV MLS Season Pass. This applies to all U.S. carriers, including DIRECTV.
MLS Season Pass is accessible on Apple TV and through apps available on a wide range of DIRECTV-compatible hardware. Subscribers can stream games using the following devices:
Log in to the Apple TV app, subscribe to MLS Season Pass, and navigate to the Earthquakes match schedule to begin streaming.
Although DIRECTV doesn’t carry Earthquakes matches live, fans can explore replays, highlight programs, and MLS commentary on sports channels like FS1, ESPN, and TUDN. Use the on-screen guide to:
DIRECTV brings rich soccer coverage even without live MLS games on its standard channel lineup.
Not all Major League Soccer (MLS) games, including those featuring the San Jose Earthquakes, receive national coverage. National broadcasts are reserved for matchups considered high-interest, often due to rivalries, marquee players, or playoff implications. Networks such as FOX, FS1, and FOX Deportes carry select games across the country, reaching a wider audience and pulling in national advertising revenue. These nationally broadcast games sometimes skip local television entirely.
MLS and its broadcast partners, including Apple TV and traditional networks, negotiate which games land in this tier each season. Currently, the majority of national broadcasts in the U.S. are handled under the Apple-MLS partnership, though a limited number still air on traditional linear TV.
If you're following the full San Jose Earthquakes season, you'll need MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ for complete access. This applies whether the game airs locally, regionally, or is not covered by any cable network. Starting with the 2023 season, ALL regular-season and playoff matches for every MLS team are streamed on the MLS Season Pass, a result of Apple’s exclusive global media rights deal with the league.
DIRECTV subscribers won't automatically get these matches through their existing packages. Even games not slated for broadcast—regional or national—are included only through the subscription-based MLS Season Pass.
When a game is marked as “exclusive to Apple TV,” it won’t appear on any broadcast or cable network. That includes all DIRECTV channels, regional sports networks, and even national channels like FS1 or ESPN. These exclusives can include regular-season matchups, Leagues Cup games, and select playoff contests, depending on scheduling and broadcasting agreements.
In this case, the only way to watch the game is by accessing the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. Even if you have a premium DIRECTV package with regional and national sports networks, these exclusives won’t be accessible unless you use the Apple TV platform.
Want to track which San Jose Earthquakes games will be exclusive or nationally aired? The official team site and the MLS schedule regularly note game-by-game broadcast availability, making it easy to identify what subscription you’ll need in advance.
Major League Soccer entered into an exclusive 10-year agreement with Apple Inc. in 2023. Under this deal, Apple TV holds global streaming rights for all MLS matches, including every San Jose Earthquakes game—home, away, and postseason. No regional sports networks or traditional cable broadcasts carry these matches; they all live on the Apple TV platform through the MLS Season Pass.
DIRECTV subscribers don’t automatically get access to MLS matches. To watch the San Jose Earthquakes through your DIRECTV setup, use a supported DIRECTV-connected device that allows installation of the Apple TV app. Once the app is on your device, you can sign in, purchase MLS Season Pass, and begin streaming each fixture live.
The Apple TV app is available on select DIRECTV-capable hardware. Supported streaming devices include:
For viewers using traditional satellite receivers, access to the Apple TV app directly through that receiver isn’t possible. Move to a smart streaming device or a companion TV to bridge the gap.
To activate the Apple TV app, you’ll need an Apple ID. If you already use iCloud, iTunes, or any Apple service, apply the same credentials. Never created an Apple account? A new Apple ID can be created freely from within the app or at appleid.apple.com before subscribing.
Once signed in, navigate to the “MLS” section inside the app interface. There you’ll find all fixtures, replays, highlights, and club-specific content tailored to the San Jose Earthquakes.
The MLS Season Pass is a separate subscription, distinct from any DIRECTV package and billed through Apple. Here’s the pricing structure:
No additional in-app purchases are required to access the full MLS catalog once you have an active MLS Season Pass.
It’s a single-source solution—no blackouts, no regional limits, and no juggling networks. With Apple TV integrated into your DIRECTV streaming hardware, you unlock every minute of Earthquakes action throughout the year.
Before the 2023 season, blackout restrictions sometimes prevented fans from watching live San Jose Earthquakes games on TV or through streaming if they were located within a specific geographic radius of PayPal Park or the game’s host stadium. These blackouts were enforced to protect local broadcasters' rights and ticket sales, limiting access on certain platforms.
In 2023, Major League Soccer introduced a transformative broadcast agreement with Apple. As part of the deal, every match, including all San Jose Earthquakes games, became available to fans through the MLS Season Pass without any local blackout restrictions. Whether at home in the Bay Area or traveling nationwide, subscribers can watch Earthquakes action live or on-demand, regardless of location.
The previous blackout model created significant hurdles for fans trying to follow their home team. Local broadcast rights and regional sports networks often limited access based on ZIP code. MLS Season Pass eliminated this fragmentation by centralizing distribution. With one subscription, every regular-season game, every playoff, Leagues Cup match, and MLS NEXT Pro game became universally accessible — a clear response to years of viewer frustration.
While blackouts are no longer a factor, location settings and app permissions still affect viewing functionality. To confirm access to all features of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV — whether accessed through a smart TV or via DIRECTV's integrated platform — users must:
These settings don’t limit access due to blackouts but are part of digital rights verification, ensuring personalized content delivery and regional accuracy.
DIRECTV structures its channel offerings across tiered packages, and not all of them carry the same level of sports coverage. For access to live San Jose Earthquakes matches and broader MLS action, subscribers need to focus on the higher-end tiers:
DIRECTV goes further than domestic league coverage. If you follow international soccer, each of these packages opens the door to:
Add the Sports Pack to any base DIRECTV package and unlock over 40 regional and specialty sports channels. This includes out-of-market access to RSNs like NBC Sports Bay Area, which can complement San Jose Earthquakes coverage depending on scheduling and blackout policies. Additionally, it enables access to beIN SPORTS, ESPN Deportes, and GolTV—broadening soccer content availability across languages and leagues.
Not sure which level meets your needs? Ask yourself: Do you want just live games, or the complete ecosystem—previews, talk shows, replays, international coverage? Choosing the right package changes the entire experience.
Finding San Jose Earthquakes programming starts with a simple tool: the search function on your DIRECTV receiver. Press the remote’s MENU button, navigate to Search, and enter “San Jose Earthquakes.” This pulls up a curated list of related content—live matches, post-game analysis, interview recaps, or condensed replays when available. Results update in real-time across channels and time slots, so there’s no need to scroll through hours of listings manually.
DIRECTV carries more than just the main matches. Use the guide to locate supporting programs that expand on Earthquakes coverage. These include:
These shows don’t always air on the same channel or at consistent times, making use of the search function even more valuable.
You can filter programming by network—like FS1, ESPN, or local RSNs—or by timeslot to find upcoming soccer content. Press GUIDE, then use the INFO button to access sorting options. This helps isolate MLS-focused slots, especially on weekends when multiple games and recaps air in succession.
To track weekday analysis programs or replays, sort by channel and scroll chronologically. Sports-centric networks often group soccer programming in the late afternoon or primetime slots.
Following the San Jose Earthquakes all season long requires a smart setup and the right mix of services. DIRECTV users can access every match by combining broadcast channels, streaming tools, and scheduling features—no guesswork involved.
Here’s a final breakdown of the most consistent ways to catch every minute of Earthquakes action:
This setup gives you full control and flexibility—whether you're watching from your living room at kickoff or catching the action on replay post-match.
Love soccer? Obsessed with the Quakes? You’re not alone. Stay tuned, stay updated, and stay passionate about San Jose Earthquakes and the full MLS season schedule—from opening day through the playoffs.
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