Apple has pulled out of negotiations for the NFL Sunday Ticket package, claims a new report. Apple had been considered the frontrunner for the Sunday Ticket streaming rights.
Dylan Byers at Puck News says Apple has backed out of negotiations because it no longer sees the deal as worthwhile due to the limitations the NFL would place on it.
Apple had long been rumored to be a frontrunner for the NFL Sunday Ticket package. However, CNBC had reported that “existing restrictions around Sunday Ticket have slowed negotiations between Apple and the NFL in recent months.”
Restrictions on the NFL Sunday Ticket package deal would have included local blackouts and no global rights. Apple’s pricing plan for Sunday Ticket was also reportedly a sticking point. While Apple wants to include Sunday Ticket access in the $6.99 cost of an Apple TV+ subscription, with no additional charges, the NFL is pushing back on that low price point as the league says it needs to “protect the interests” of CBS and Fox, its Sunday afternoon broadcast partners. The two networks will pay the NFL a combined $40 billion for the 2023 season.
Apple has been looking to expand its sports offerings on its Apple TV+ streaming service. Apple currently holds the rights to MLB Friday Night Baseball and Major League Soccer packages. Unfortunately, it appears NFL Sunday Ticket streaming won’t be part of Apple TV+’s sports offerings.
