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Apple Nears Deal with FIFA for TV Rights to New Tournament, Reports NYT
FIFA is close to finalising a deal with Apple for worldwide TV rights to a new club tournament. The deal could be worth around $1 billion, a quarter of FIFA's initial estimate. This would be the first time FIFA agrees to a single worldwide contract.
In an exciting development for soccer fans, FIFA, the global governing body of the sport, is reportedly on the verge of finalising an agreement with tech giant Apple for worldwide television rights to a new month-long club tournament. According to the New York Times, the deal, valued at around $1 billion, could be announced as early as this month. This figure is a quarter of FIFA's initial estimate of $4 billion for the rights. The information comes from three individuals familiar with the matter.
If the deal goes through, it would mark a significant milestone for FIFA, as it would be the first time the organisation has agreed to a single worldwide contract. This move would give Apple's streaming business a competitive advantage in the increasingly fierce battle among streaming service providers to secure rights for highly-watched sporting events and attract more subscribers.
However, there are concerns among senior FIFA executives regarding the potential exclusion of "free-to-air rights" in the agreement. This would mean that the tournament would only be accessible to subscribers of Apple TV+. The details of the deal and whether it includes any such rights remain unclear.
Another challenge FIFA is facing is securing sponsorship packages for the tournament. The organisation is seeking $150 million from sponsors, but the report suggests that sponsors have been hesitant to commit to this amount.
The tournament, which will feature 32 teams, is scheduled to take place next year from June 15 to July 13. Typically, no major events are scheduled during this period to allow players to rest during the off-season, one year before the World Cup.
Criticism has been directed at FIFA for not consulting players' unions before making announcements about the event. The report highlights that players' unions have expressed their discontent with FIFA's lack of consultation.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for FIFA stated, "As a general practice, FIFA does not confirm or deny commercial discussions." Apple declined to provide a comment on the matter.
FIFA is close to finalising a deal with Apple for worldwide TV rights to a new club tournament.
The deal could be worth around $1 billion, a quarter of FIFA's initial estimate.
This would be the first time FIFA agrees to a single worldwide contract.
Source: REUTERS