Apple TV enters race for US Open golf rights as streaming push accelerates
Apple TV has emerged as a contender for the U.S. broadcasting rights to golf’s Open Championship, marking its most significant move yet into live sports streaming. The Guardian has…
Apple TV has emerged as a contender for
Apple TV has emerged as a contender for the U.S. broadcasting rights to golf’s Open Championship, marking its most significant move yet into live sports streaming. The Guardian has learned that the tech giant has held early-stage talks with the R&A, the tournament’s governing body, about securing the rights once the current agreement with NBC concludes in 2028.
This development signals a broader shift in the sports media landscape, as streaming platforms increasingly challenge traditional broadcasters for premium live events. The Open, one of golf’s four major championships, has long been a staple of NBC’s sports portfolio, but its upcoming rights renewal has drawn interest from digital players eager to expand their offerings.
For Apple, which has steadily built a sports content library through deals like Major League Soccer, acquiring the Open would represent a major step in its strategy to attract subscribers. The company has not commented on the talks, but sources indicate that negotiations are still in a preliminary phase, with no formal bid yet submitted.
The R&A, which has managed the championship since
The R&A, which has managed the championship since its inception, has yet to make any public statement regarding potential bidders. Industry observers note that the organization is likely to weigh not only financial terms but also the reach and technological capabilities of any prospective partner, as it seeks to grow the tournament’s global audience.
If Apple were to secure the rights, it would join a growing list of streaming services, including Amazon and YouTube, that have entered the live sports arena in recent years. This trend reflects changing viewer habits, particularly among younger audiences who favor on-demand and digital-first platforms over traditional cable packages.
The outcome of these discussions could reshape how golf’s oldest major is consumed in the United States, with potential implications for future broadcasting deals across the sport. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing negotiation process, with no deadline set for a final decision.