FIFA Nears Deal with Apple for Global Television Rights to Major New Tournament
In a groundbreaking move, FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, is on the verge of finalizing an agreement with tech giant Apple for worldwide television rights to a new major tournament. The tournament, set to be a monthlong, World Cup-style competition for top teams, will be played for the first time in the United States next summer.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the agreement could be announced as early as this month. This development comes after previous setbacks for the tournament, which was originally planned to be held in China in 2021 but was postponed due to the pandemic.
The deal with Apple, while potentially valued lower than initially estimated, marks a significant milestone for FIFA. If finalized, it would be the first time FIFA has agreed to a single worldwide contract for a major event. This partnership also signifies Apple’s continued expansion into the world of soccer, following a previous agreement to stream Major League Soccer games.
Streaming services have increasingly shown interest in live sports, with companies like Peacock and Amazon Prime already streaming major sporting events. Apple’s involvement in soccer and other sports content reflects the growing trend of tech companies entering the sports broadcasting arena.
FIFA’s upcoming tournament is expected to feature top teams from around the world, with a focus on attracting broadcasters and commercial partners. The organization has set aside a specific time slot in 2025 for the tournament, following the European season and allowing players to rest before the World Cup.
As FIFA works to finalize the deal with Apple, details about the tournament, including its name and host cities, are still being ironed out. The organization faces challenges in securing sponsorship partners and managing costs for hosting the event in the United States.
The conclusion of the deal with Apple is crucial for FIFA as it aims to announce the tournament ahead of upcoming advertising events. With the potential for a global audience and high-quality production, the partnership with Apple could elevate the tournament to new heights in the world of soccer.
