Apple Reportedly Wants Flexibility Over NFL Sunday Ticket Streaming Rights

Existing restrictions around Sunday Ticket have slowed negotiations between Apple and the NFL in recent months, according to CNBC.

According to the report, Apple is not interested in simply acting as a conduit for broadcasting games, but rather is looking for more comprehensive partnerships with sports leagues. Apple announced in June that it will stream every live MLS match on its TV app without any restrictions. MLS highlights will be available on the TV app and Apple News.

Apple's services chief said that fans will be able to access everything from a major professional sports league in one place. It's a dream come true for anyone who loves sports. The flexibility to sign up for one convenient service that gives you everything MLS, anywhere and anytime you want to watch is what makes it work.

The lack of contractual restrictions will allow its partnership with the MLS to thrive. According to CNBC, Apple wants the flexibility to offer games around the world.

Out-of-market viewers can watch the regional games on Sunday afternoons. The U.S.-only package has been exclusively distributed by DirecTV since 1994, but the deal is set to end in 2023 and the company is not interested in renewing it.

The NFL was looking for more than $2 billion annually for Sunday Ticket streaming rights, as well as a minority stake in NFL Media, according to previous reports. A new partner for Sunday Ticket will be announced by the end of the year, according to the league's commissioner.

Apple has a growing portfolio of live sports content that can be found through the TV app. Apple will partner with the MLB to air a weekly "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheader on Apple TV+ during the 2022 regular season, while it will also partner with the MLS for a decade. Apple was rumored to have considered bidding on a package of games from the European club competition.