It was reported this week that Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service could be the home of the NFL Sunday Ticket starting next season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said that he does see the Sunday Ticket going to some form of streaming service next year but has not indicated which one will receive, but that an announcement will be made before the start of the 2022 season, according to CNBC.
Puck.News has reported that the deal is said to cost around $3 billion a year and was previously said to be at $2 billion a year.
As a result of the price increase, it has been reported that Disney, the owners of ESPN and ESPN+, have pulled out of negotiations. Other companies such as FOX, Paramount (Paramount+) and Comcast (Peacock) has also said to no longer be involved in negotiations.
Right now, the only two contenders in the race for the NFL Sunday Ticket are said to be Apple and Amazon. Amazon currently has exclusive ties to the Thursday Night Football games for this upcoming season, whereas the past couple of seasons, there has been a simulcast of the games that have been traditionally broadcast on FOX and NFL Network.
Puck.News writer Dylan Byers believes the NFL Sunday Ticket rights will go to Apple when everything is said and done.
“…I have been given ample reason to believe that Apple is the most likely winner of the sweepstakes…”
When it comes to sports, Apple TV+ currently broadcasts MLB Friday Night Baseball games and there is a new deal in place starting next year for the streaming service to stream MLS games too.
If Apple is announced as the winner of the bidding war for the NFL Sunday Ticket, along with the previously mentioned sports additions, it means there will likely be a monthly price increase for Apple TV+.
Currently, Apple TV+ costs $4.99 a month in the Apple TV app. It is unknown at this time what Apple would charge for its streaming service with multiple sports deals under its belt.
What are your thoughts on Apple potentially getting the streaming rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket? Comment below or let us know on Twitter at @appleosophy.
