Apple TV enters race for US Open golf broadcasting rights

Apple TV has joined the competition for US broadcasting rights to The Open, marking the latest sign of streaming services expanding into live sports. According to The Guardian, Apple has held preliminary discussions with the R&A, the governing body for the tournament, regarding a potential bid. The formal tender process is expected to begin early next year. The R&A anticipates that Netflix and Amazon will also compete for the rights, posing a significant challenge to traditional television networks. NBC has held the US rights to The Open since 2017, when it secured a 12-year deal after outbidding ESPN. The current rights are shared between NBC and Comcast, which owns the Golf Channel, and the agreement is set to expire in 2028. In recent years, Apple has experimented with sports broadcasting, focusing primarily on the US market. Its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal for Major League Soccer streaming rights was recently restructured to end three years early following disappointing viewership figures. Despite this, Apple remains committed to its sports ambitions. Last year, the company secured a five-year, $750 million deal for exclusive Formula One broadcasting rights in the US. A source familiar with Apple's plans told The Guardian that the company remains committed to investing in sports rights and will continue to seek suitable events. An R&A spokesperson stated: 'We have a very good partnership with NBC and Comcast, which has delivered significant benefits for The Open, the AIG Women’s Open and our other championships and international matches. As we approach the next cycle for our US media rights, we expect to speak with our current partners, NBC and Comcast, at the appropriate time. At the same time, we will monitor developments in the broadcasting landscape and the wider interest in our media rights.'