The potential agreement could mark a significant expansion of Apple’s sports broadcasting capabilities, which currently includes the Major League Soccer's Season Pass among other offerings. This deal, expected to be finalized in April, might significantly underbid FIFA’s initial $4 billion rights estimation, yet still represents a hefty investment in sports for Apple.
The tournament would gather elite teams globally for a competition structured similarly to the FIFA World Cup, with 12 European teams among those participating. However, details regarding exclusivity and whether there will be a free-to-air component remain unclear.
This move comes as Apple intensifies efforts to diversify its Apple TV+ content with more sports rights. Earlier pursuits include a speculated $2 billion yearly bid for exclusive Formula 1 coverage and interests in acquiring local NBA TV rights.
As Apple TV+ expands its footprint in sports broadcasting, this potential billion-dollar deal could transform how fans around the world experience soccer, blending top-tier sports action with cutting-edge streaming technology.
