Apple is mulling over making a bid for the streaming rights to the English Premier League in the United Kingdom, as well as other lower league matches run by the English Football League, says a Bloomberg report.
From the report:
The rights under consideration would allow Apple to show Premier League games in the UK, as well as lower league matches run by the English Football League, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private.
If Apple made a bid, it would become the fourth major bidder to contend for purchasing domestic broadcasting rights for top-flight football matches.
The bidding battle could drive an increase in the current £5.1 billion ($6.23 billion) valuation for three-year domestic EPL rights. Tender rights are currently being reviewed, with existing rights for the current three-year period set to expire in 2025.
In previous years, Sky Sports, BT Sport, and Amazon Prime Video have been the main contenders, with Sky Sports often being the dominant player. However, Amazon has been showing some heavy bidding power in recent years.
While Apple successfully negotiated full exclusivity in its deal with Major league Soccer, the packaging terms for the English Premier League ensure that no single broadcaster can get exclusive rights to all matches.
If we see Apple bid for English Premier League right, it will be working to add the package to its deals with Major League Baseball and the MLS. Apple is also reportedly interested in acquiring a National Basketball Association streaming package.