Apple is actively pursuing an exclusive television deal with FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, according to a report from The New York Times. The deal would grant Apple the rights to broadcast a new month-long World Cup-style tournament featuring top soccer teams from around the globe.
An agreement between Apple and FIFA could be announced as early as this month, with the inaugural tournament set to take place in the United States next summer. The report indicates that Apple is likely to pay around $1 billion for the rights, but it remains unclear whether any portion of the tournament will be available for free-to-air viewing. If not, the entire event will be exclusive to Apple TV+ subscribers.
Apple’s interest in live sports is driven by its goal of attracting new subscribers to its Apple TV+ streaming service. The company has already invested heavily in sports rights, including a recent $2.5 billion deal for the global broadcasting rights to Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS games are streamed exclusively on Apple TV+, with both subscription and non-subscription options available.
In addition to the MLS deal, Apple also has a partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) for streaming rights. The company reportedly made an unsuccessful bid for the NFL Sunday Ticket package but remains in the running to secure streaming rights for NBA games.
Apple’s commitment to sports is further evident in the recent launch of its dedicated Apple Sports app, which provides users with real-time scores and statistics for their favorite teams. The app seamlessly integrates with the My Sports experience in the Apple TV app, offering a comprehensive sports experience for Apple users.
