Founded in 1996, D.C. United stands as one of Major League Soccer’s original and most storied clubs. With a trophy cabinet that reflects decades of competitive play, and a fierce, long-standing rivalry with the New York Red Bulls, this team continues to draw passionate support from soccer fans in the nation's capital and beyond.
Soccer’s momentum in the United States has escalated rapidly over the last decade. More viewers are tuning in, stadiums are filling up, and clubs like D.C. United are at the heart of this cultural shift. To stay connected to the season—from heated matchups to heroic goals—you need a setup that guarantees access without hassle.
This guide walks you through how to watch D.C. United on DIRECTV. Learn which channels to tune into, what packages deliver the best MLS coverage, how to stream games on mobile, and how DIRECTV handles local blackout restrictions. Whether you're following from Washington D.C. or supporting from another state, this post ensures that you won’t miss a single kick.
D.C. United's 2024 campaign features a consistent mix of weekend and midweek matches, primarily scheduled for Saturdays at 7:30 PM ET. However, the occasional Sunday evening or Wednesday night kickoff breaks that pattern. For example, the long-standing rivalry with the New York Red Bulls returns on June 22, 2024, with a Saturday night clash at Audi Field. Another high-profile matchup arrives on August 10, 2024, when Sporting Kansas City visits Washington for a prime-time battle.
Expect season-defining encounters in late summer as playoff implications intensify. Key dates to flag include September 14 versus Atlanta United and October 5 against CF Montréal—part of the crucial final three-game stretch.
Broadcast times can shift due to network selections or weather-related rescheduling. The only reliable source for up-to-date kickoff times remains the official MLS match schedule and D.C. United's own website. These platforms reflect last-minute changes, confirm national TV exposure, and clarify whether the match will stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass.
Third-party listings, including some TV guide apps and cable boxes, often lag behind official updates. For accurate planning, especially when recording a game or organizing group viewings, always go straight to the source.
National matches are broadcast across the U.S. through partners like FOX, FS1, and the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. These games reach a wide audience regardless of geographic location. On the flip side, regional broadcasts, which were historically handled by local sports networks, now play a limited role under the new MLS media rights agreement.
For the 2024 season, nearly every D.C. United match streams on MLS Season Pass with English- and Spanish-language commentary. Some marquee games—such as the one at LA Galaxy on July 6—may be simulcast on FOX, offering traditional DIRECTV viewers another way to tune in. The broadcast assignment for each match is clearly listed on the official schedule.
These fixtures often land on the national broadcast slate or in featured slots on MLS Season Pass, offering expanded production and pre-game analysis.
Not every D.C. United game streams exclusively on digital platforms. Some matches continue to air nationally on traditional channels, particularly when they’re high-profile clashes or part of MLS’ Game of the Week programming. When this happens, you’ll find them on:
Though starting in 2023 MLS transitioned away from national broadcast deals in favor of Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, a number of games continue airing through these networks due to pre-existing agreements or marquee scheduling.
As of the 2023 season, streaming with Apple’s MLS Season Pass replaced regional broadcasts and most national deals. That means the majority of D.C. United matches are no longer carried live by DIRECTV unless they fall into special broadcast window exceptions on FOX, FS1, or ESPN.
This change ended local broadcasts and consolidated viewing into a subscription-based digital ecosystem. However, because DIRECTV still carries ESPN, FS1, and FOX, these outlets remain relevant—especially for playoff coverage and marquee regular-season matchups.
DIRECTV sports packages include the critical channels listed above. For viewers with the Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, or Premier packages, ESPN (channel 206), FS1 (channel 219), and FOX (channel 360 in HD, though this can vary by region) come standard.
For fans scanning the guide for a weekend game or cross-checking with the official schedule, these channels offer reliable access to occasional D.C. United matches—particularly when the matchup garners national significance.
DIRECTV doesn’t assign a fixed channel to individual MLS teams like D.C. United. Instead, coverage shifts between national sports networks and streaming platforms. To locate live or upcoming D.C. United games, subscribers can use the on-screen Sports Guide tailored to their location and package.
DIRECTV’s interactive guide allows viewers to browse by sport, league, or team. Typing “D.C. United” into the search bar will surface available broadcasts, if any are airing through traditional networks.
DIRECTV’s HD DVR and Genie menus make it simple to search for live matches. Here’s how to navigate:
Results will show exact times, opponents, and the channel airing each match.
D.C. United no longer has regional sports network exclusivity. As of the 2023 MLS season, all matches air nationwide via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This move consolidates broadcasting and removes local channel dependencies, including on DIRECTV.
Linear channels like ESPN or FS1 will feature only select matches for broader audiences; the rest require a subscription to the MLS Season Pass platform.
In 2023, Major League Soccer initiated a transformative media agreement by granting Apple Inc. exclusive global broadcasting rights to all MLS matches, including those of D.C. United. This ten-year deal, reportedly worth $2.5 billion, restructured the way fans access live soccer content. Every regular-season game, playoff match, and Leagues Cup fixture now streams on the MLS Season Pass, available only through the Apple TV app.
This centralized approach removes previous fragmentation across regional sports networks and national broadcasters. Previously, local D.C. United matches aired on channels like NBC Sports Washington or live streams via club-specific platforms. That model no longer applies. Now, whether you live in Washington, D.C., or thousands of miles away, every match is available in the same place—Apple TV.
While Apple holds the exclusive rights, MLS maintains secondary agreements with ESPN, FOX Sports, and Univision for select nationally televised matches. These broadcasts often serve to highlight high-profile rivalries or marquee matchups. For DIRECTV users, this means the occasional D.C. United game may still appear on channels like FS1 or FOX, provided it’s selected for national broadcast.
However, national coverage is the exception rather than the norm. Most games will be absent from traditional cable or satellite guides, regardless of market size or team popularity. DIRECTV cannot independently air MLS games without Apple’s cooperation.
The new rights structure removes nearly all D.C. United matches from DIRECTV’s conventional programming lineup. DIRECTV subscribers accustomed to flipping to a regional sports network or national channel for live games must now use a separate platform. This shift renders traditional channel numbers and packages largely irrelevant for week-to-week MLS coverage.
To keep watching, fans need MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app. DIRECTV remains useful for catching MLS matches televised on FOX or FS1, but these represent a small percentage of the complete season.
One significant outcome of this digital-only approach is the elimination of local blackout restrictions. Under the previous TV contracts, games could be unavailable in a team’s home market due to exclusive local broadcasts or territorial rights. That’s no longer the case.
Now, every D.C. United match is available live and on demand, regardless of geographic location. Viewers in Washington, Baltimore, Richmond, or beyond see the same content, at the same time, without regional limitations. This model offers consistent access for domestic and international fans alike.
MLS Season Pass is available exclusively through the Apple TV app. To begin, open the app on an Apple device, smart TV, streaming stick, or other compatible platform. Navigate to the "MLS Season Pass" section and follow the prompts to subscribe. The pass can be purchased as a season-long package or monthly subscription. Once active, users unlock access to every D.C. United game, including coverage from Matchday 1 through the postseason.
No Apple device? No problem. The Apple TV app runs on a wide range of devices:
Each subscription supports up to six simultaneous streams with Family Sharing enabled, so fans in one household can watch on different devices without conflict.
Every D.C. United broadcast on MLS Season Pass includes both English and Spanish-language commentary. Toggle between languages directly on the stream settings to match your preference. Analysts include veteran commentators and former MLS players, offering insight and breakdowns tailored to each audience.
MLS Season Pass broadcasts every league match, regardless of location, opponent, or network contracts. The blackout restrictions that previously limited availability on DIRECTV regional sports networks no longer apply. Whether D.C. United plays at Audi Field or away, the stream remains available nationwide and worldwide for subscribers. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple local channels or supplemental packages just to follow the full season.
DIRECTV STREAM operates over an internet connection and eliminates the need for satellite equipment. For D.C. United fans, this platform includes key networks like ESPN and FS1, both of which occasionally feature MLS matchups, though not all D.C. United games. Some regional sports networks (RSNs) are also part of the channel lineup, depending on location.
One of the main advantages lies in its compatibility with Apple TV devices. Since D.C. United games now stream primarily on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, users can access every match directly through a device integrated into DIRECTV STREAM’s content ecosystem. No satellite dish, no installation appointment — just a broadband connection and a supported device.
Another benefit is portability. Traveling? You can still stream games without interruption using DIRECTV STREAM on compatible mobile devices or smart TVs.
DIRECTV Satellite remains the provider’s legacy platform, relying on dish-based setups. Subscribers receive a vast range of national networks, including ESPN, FS1, and often a more complete range of RSNs depending on geographic location. This broad national sports coverage can be valuable for fans following multiple leagues beyond MLS.
However, viewing D.C. United’s full season lineup still mandates a separate Apple TV subscription to access MLS Season Pass. Unlike DIRECTV STREAM, content from Apple TV isn't directly built into the satellite interface. Apple TV must be accessed separately, either through a smart TV, set-top box, or another connected device.
Location influences channel availability, and your tech setup dictates ease of use. DIRECTV STREAM offers portability and fast setup. DIRECTV Satellite offers stability and wider traditional sports coverage. Your viewing habits will determine which one fits better.
Before Major League Soccer launched its all-inclusive Apple TV deal in 2023, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) held a major role in delivering local matches to fans. Networks like NBC Sports Washington frequently aired D.C. United games for viewers in the mid-Atlantic region, blending live broadcasts with exclusive pre- and post-game analysis. This setup allowed DIRECTV subscribers with the appropriate regional package to tune in without relying on national channels.
DIRECTV continues to carry a broad selection of RSNs, though their MLS programming has shifted. With Apple TV now holding exclusive live streaming rights to every MLS match, RSNs no longer carry live game broadcasts. However, that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped supporting soccer content altogether.
D.C. United-related content—such as match replays, studio analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features—can still appear on regional networks. For instance, NBC Sports Washington may feature segments that dive into player performance, match breakdowns, or training ground updates. These programs tend to air in rotation during off-peak hours or as part of locally focused sports blocks.
Getting access to these RSNs via DIRECTV depends entirely on your zip code and subscription tier. DIRECTV’s Choice package and above typically include RSNs, but the specific network lineup varies by region. If you’re based in Washington, D.C. or its suburbs, NBC Sports Washington will most likely be part of what you receive.
Want to check which RSNs are available in your area? Use DIRECTV’s online channel lookup tool by entering your zip code and package level—it will display all regional channels you can access, including any with soccer-related programming.
While RSNs no longer broadcast live D.C. United matches, they haven’t abandoned the team entirely. Fans can still benefit from these networks for extended coverage that complements the live experience available on MLS Season Pass. For supporters who closely follow player development, tactical shifts, and team news, keeping tabs on RSN schedules remains worthwhile.
The MLS Season Pass on Apple TV comes with a significant advantage: no local blackout restrictions. Whether D.C. United plays at Audi Field or on the road, fans with a Season Pass can stream every match live and on-demand, without being blocked based on location.
This neutrality in coverage applies nationwide. MLS no longer allocates local broadcast rights to traditional regional sports networks (RSNs), so the Season Pass becomes the most consistent viewing option for uninterrupted access.
DIRECTV users may still experience occasional blackouts depending on channel structure. Here's how it works:
For DIRECTV users, pre-match planning helps avoid streaming failures at start time. Use the following steps:
Sometimes, switching from satellite to streaming (e.g., via MLS Season Pass) resolves the issue completely.
Some subscribers seek to bypass local blackouts with VPN services that mask their true location. By rerouting traffic through servers in blackout-free areas, these tools may allow access to a previously restricted stream.
Alternate platforms, including mobile devices or non-DIRECTV-connected smart TVs, can also help—especially when paired with the MLS Season Pass, which doesn't rely on RSNs or broadcast affiliates.
Before exploring those paths, ask one question: is it a regional game or a national broadcast? That answer determines whether a blackout applies and where routing adjustments would be effective.
DIRECTV elevates the soccer viewing experience far beyond just D.C. United matches. Whether you're tracking the fierce New York Red Bulls rivalry or following clubs across Major League Soccer and Europe, DIRECTV delivers a packed soccer calendar with broad league access, specialized sports packages, and seamless tracking tools.
DIRECTV subscribers who also use the Apple TV MLS Season Pass unlock every Major League Soccer match, not just those involving D.C. United. This includes games featuring:
Each game airs in both English and Spanish with pre-match and post-match coverage included, unifying the MLS experience under one consistent format across all teams.
DIRECTV’s sports lineup goes global with elite competitions across different continents. Fans can catch:
ESPN channels (206-209) frequently carry marquee matchups and derby fixtures across Europe, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
DIRECTV simplifies live soccer tracking through tailor-made sports bundles. Three standout options for soccer fans include:
For comprehensive international and domestic coverage, combining the Sports Pack with MLS Season Pass ensures year-round access to fixtures worldwide.
DIRECTV offers smart tools that keep fans in sync with every fixture. Use the interactive program guide to set reminders, adjust DVR settings instantly, and explore match previews. With any DIRECTV receiver, access:
Curious when the next Red Bulls–D.C. rivalry episode hits the field? Add both clubs to your favorites list and never miss kickoff again.
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