Apple Has 'Expressed Interest' in NBA Streaming Rights

Apple has "expressed interest" in acquiring an NBA streaming package, according to a new report from CNBC. Apple is among other interested parties that include Amazon and NBC Sports, with NBCUniversal particularly interested in reacquiring NBA games.

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NBCUniversal is aiming for a deal that would allow it to air playoff games on the NBC network, with some regular season games exclusive to Peacock streaming service. The report does not have specifics on what other potential buyers like Apple might be interested in.

NBC used to have rights to the NBA until Disney and Turner Sports purchased them more than 20 years ago, and negotiations cannot restart unless Turner Sports and Disney agree to waive an exclusive negotiation window that expires in April 2024. The NBA could ultimately opt to extend its contract with Disney and Turner Sports rather than taking bids from outside companies, but there is a chance at this point that Apple will be able to make a bid.

CNBC suggests that the NBA could create two packages for bidders, with content for three or four partners split between streaming and traditional TV.

Apple has been pursuing sports content in an effort to attract new viewers to the Apple TV+ streaming service. The company has signed deals with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. MLS games will be available in February, with the MLS Season Pass priced at $14.99 per month or $99 per season, while MLB content premiered last spring with Friday Night Baseball.

Tag: NBA

Top Rated Comments

STOCK411 Avatar
32 months ago
If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
uptownnyc Avatar
32 months ago

Would be nice to see, NOBODY cares about baseball.
I've reported this post for hate speech.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FlavorfulTreat Avatar
32 months ago
If Apple can show all the games without blackout rules, it’s an automatic yes from me.

I’ll pay whatever they will charge
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sevendaymelee Avatar
32 months ago

Lol, baseball is just so unbelievably boring, it’s fun to go to the batting cages and hit balls, but watching it is like watching grass grow. I’m glad to see Apple is taking interest in another sport.
MLB is the second biggest sport in terms of revenue in the country, not the NBA. Your dislike of it is fine. You can find it boring. You can rip on it until the preverbal cows come home. But it's the second biggest sport in the country, and more people are into it than the NBA.

The only sport that out-earns MLB is the NFL, which looms over everything.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CaptMarvel Avatar
32 months ago
I’d be interested in this, but curious as to what it’d look like in comparison to NBA League Pass.


If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song


One of the best ringtones ever (when ringtones were a thing)!!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ratspg Avatar
32 months ago

If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song


So so classic!!! Back when the Bulls used to reign! Love that theme lol.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)