Apple is nearing a deal with FIFA, the governing body of soccer, for the exclusive streaming rights to a revamped version of the Club World Cup. The Club World Cup brings together the world’s best club teams and will expand to a month-long tournament in the United States next year, featuring 32 entrants in eight groups of four teams.
A potential agreement between Apple and FIFA could be announced before the end of the month. Apple’s coverage of the Club World Cup is likely to follow a similar model to its MLS streaming, requiring a special subscription fee. For instance, access to Apple’s MLS streams currently costs an additional $13 per month or $79 per season for Apple TV+ subscribers and $15 per month or $99 per season for non-subscribers.
FIFA plans to hold the Club World Cup from June 15 to July 13. The tournament will transition to a new format in 2025, taking place every four years in the year preceding the regular World Cup involving national teams.
Apple’s sports initiatives include Major League Baseball coverage, the Apple Sports app offering live sports scores and real-time stats, and the award-winning comedy series ‘Ted Lasso’, which explores an American football coach managing a soccer club in England.
