Golf's US Open Championship could come to Apple TV in latest sports bid
Apple is reportedly in talks with the owners of golf's Open Championship to take over when NBC's license runs out in 2028, but other bids are in play. Apple TV could be getting a golf championship Sports rights have become a battleground as streamers seek to take over from legacy media. Apple has had small successes in getting rights for MLS , MLB , and F1 , but its ambitions go much further.…
Apple is reportedly in preliminary talks with the R&A, the body that oversees golf's Open Championship, to acquire streaming rights for the prestigious event, according to a recent Guardian report. The Open Championship, first held in 1860, is the oldest of golf's major tournaments and is often referred to as the British Open in the US to distinguish it from the separate US Open. NBC has secured a 12-year deal for the event following a bidding war with ESPN, sharing rights with Versant, which operates the Golf Channel.
The R&A expressed openness to discussions with NBC, Versant, and other parties interested in the rights, emphasizing their existing strong partnership with NBC and Versant. Apple, known for its commitment to investing in sports rights, has been actively expanding its portfolio, recently securing exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 races in the US and streaming Friday Night Baseball and MLS matches.
The move suggests Apple's growing interest in acquiring rights to prestigious sporting events, following its recent exclusive deal with Formula 1. This potential acquisition could further diversify Apple's media offerings and enhance its position in the competitive streaming industry.
Written by urgent.news from 9to5Mac's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
