Apple TV is apparently poised to potentially make another big addition to its sports broadcasting portfolio.
According to a report by Matt Hughes at The Guardian, Apple TV “has had preliminary discussions with the R&A about bidding for The Open” for broadcast rights in the United States. NBC currently serves as the stateside broadcaster for the Open Championship, though its deal with the R&A ends in 2028.
Apple TV has taken steps into sports broadcasting, with a package of MLB games and exclusive rights to the MLS and Formula 1 in the United States. The results of those ventures have been something of a mixed bag. The MLB broadcasts have been solid, but they have also made the already confusing process of finding your favorite team’s game even more challenging. The MLS deal did not work out as planned — while subscriptions spiked when Lionel Messi joined the league in 2024, the two sides have since shortened what was supposed to be a 10-year partnership by three years, with the alliance set to expire in 2029.
The addition of golf — and a major at that — would be a big play, but is not that surprising given the swings Apple TV has already taken into the sporting world. For now, the R&A is staying mum on any future plans for The Open.
“We have an excellent partnership with NBC and Versant which has delivered significant benefits for The Open, the AIG Women’s Open and our other championships and international matches,” a spokesman for the R&A told the Guardian.
“As we look ahead to the next US media cycle for the R&A’s rights, we expect to enter discussions with our incumbent partners NBC and Versant in due course. We will also continue to monitor the evolving broadcast landscape and the wider interest in our rights.”
About Tyler Lauletta
Tyler is a editorial contributor at Awful Announcing, with previous stops at Sports Illustrated and Business Insider during his career covering sports in digital media. He is, begrudgingly, a Truster of the Process and general Philly sports sicko.