Apple has entered the race to secure US broadcast rights to golf's Open Championship, marking the streaming platform's latest foray into live sports. The Guardian has learned that Apple has had preliminary discussions with the R&A, the tournament's governing body, about bidding for the event. NBC, the current US broadcaster, holds the rights until 2028, but the formal tender process is set to begin early next year.
Streaming Giants Challenge Traditional Broadcasters
The R&A expects interest not only from Apple but also from fellow streaming services Netflix and Amazon, posing a significant challenge to traditional broadcasters. NBC has held live rights to the Open since 2017, when it outbid ESPN to secure a 12-year deal. However, NBC's position now appears vulnerable, with its rights shared with media company Versant, which operates the Golf Channel.
Apple has been experimenting with sports rights in recent years, following a broader trend among streaming companies. The company's 10-year, $2.5 billion deal for Major League Soccer rights proved unsuccessful, with both parties agreeing to terminate the contract three years early due to disappointing viewing figures. Despite this setback, Apple has not abandoned its sports ambitions, securing a five-year, $750 million deal for exclusive Formula One rights in the US last year.
Apple's Commitment to Sports Rights
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 suitable properties. This indicates that Apple views the Open as a potential addition to its growing portfolio.
In response to the Guardian's inquiry, a spokesman for the R&A stated: "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. 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."
The upcoming tender process will be closely watched as streaming services increasingly compete with traditional networks for premium sports content. The outcome could reshape how major golf tournaments are broadcast in the US, with potential implications for viewers and the sport's commercial landscape.
