Apple TV has joined the battle to win US rights to golf’s Open Championship in the streaming platform’s latest move into sport.
The Guardian has learned that Apple has had preliminary discussions with the R&A about bidding for the Open, whose current US deal with NBC expires in 2028.
The formal tender process will take place at the start of next year, with the R&A also expecting interest from Apple’s fellow streamers Netflix and Amazon in a major challenge to traditional broadcasters.
NBC has had live rights to the Open since 2017 when it outbid existing holders ESPN to secure a 12-year deal, but now appears in danger of losing its foothold. NBC’s Open rights are shared with media company Versant, who operate the Golf Channel.
Apple has followed other streaming companies in experimenting with sports rights in recent years, and appears intent on adding to its portfolio, particularly in the US.
A 10-year deal worth $2.5bn for Major League Soccer rights has not been a success, with both parties agreeing to terminate the contract three years early amid disappointing viewing figures. But Apple has not shelved its sporting ambitions and last year secured a five-year deal worth $750m for exclusive Formula One rights in the US.
A source with knowledge of Apple’s plans told the Guardian that the company remains committed to investing in sports rights, and will continue to search for the right properties.
“We have an excellent partnership with NBC and Versant which has delivered significant benefits for The Open, the AIG Women’s Open and our other championships and international matches,” a spokesman for the R&A said in response to the Guardian.
“As we look ahead to the next US media cycle for the R&A’s rights, we expect to enter discussions with our incumbent partners NBC and Versant in due course. We will also continue to monitor the evolving broadcast landscape and the wider interest in our rights.”
