FIFA close to streaming deal with Apple
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
FIFA is close to signing a deal with Apple for the worldwide television rights to a major new soccer tournament to be held in the US next summer. Negotiations are close to being finalized, but the value of the deal could be lower than FIFA's initial estimate. It is uncertain whether the deal will include free-to-air rights, which could limit access for Apple TV+ subscribers. It would be FIFA's first individual global deal for such an event, underlining the growing interest of streaming services in the sport. The tournament, which is scheduled to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, is facing criticism from players' unions over scheduling and consultation. This comes after Apple signed a 10-year contract worth 2.5 billion dollars for the global streaming rights to Major League Soccer in 2022. FIFA wants to finalize the deal soon to bring it in line with upcoming advertising plans.