The fight between streaming services is becoming hectic every year. The companies are working hard to cater to more users by offering content that is not available on other platforms. Recently, we saw the rise of sports content on some platforms. Apple wants to join this trend with style by adding NBA to its portfolio. As per a report, Apple has “expressed interest” in acquiring an NBA streaming package. Apple is among other interested parties that include Amazon and NBC Sports, with NBCUniversal particularly interested in acquiring NBA Games.
NBCUniversal aims at a deal that allows it to air playoff games on the NBC Network, but still, there will be some regular season games exclusive to the Peacock streaming service. Unfortunately, the report does not detail what other buyers like Apple are interested in. In any case, we know that this is a race to attract a lot of fans of this sport. After all, they will need to sign into the service in order to watch the content without any limitations.
Gizchina News of the week
Apple wants to make a bid to strengthen its Apple TV+ portfolio of sports content
NBC had the rights to the NBA, but Disney and Turner Sports purchased them more than 20 years ago. The negotiations cannot restart unless the latter two agree to waive an exclusive negotiation window that expires in April 2024. The NBA could ultimately opt to extend its contract with Disney and Turner Sports. That would certainly bring disappointment to Apple and the other parts. Anyway, if there’s a chance, the giant of Cupertino will certainly make a bid. As per CNBC, NBA can pretty much create two packages for bidders. It will bring content for three or four partners split between streaming and traditional TV.
Worth noting that this is just another movement from Apple to attract sports lovers. The company already has deals with Major League Baseball and Soccer. MLS games will appear by February. The MLS Season Pass is priced at $14,99 per month or $99 per season. With NBA content, Apple TV+ may get even more relevant when compared to other streaming platforms.
