Apple Still Waiting on Response to NFL Sunday Ticket Bid: Report

According to a report from CNBC, Apple is still waiting on the National Football League (NFL) to respond to its bid for the latter’s Sunday Ticket package. The same goes for Disney and Amazon, who have submitted competing bids.

The publication’s sources said the NFL is seeking more than $2 billion USD for the broadcast rights to its Sunday Ticket, along with a stake in NFL Media. Any potential deal could also include the NFL’s mobile rights.

Apple made an offer for the package weeks ago as part of its push into the sports streaming space. However, the company is yet to hear back from the NFL.

Broadcast rights for the NFL’s Sunday Ticket are currently owned by DirecTV, but they are set to expire after the upcoming 2022-23 season. DirecTV has not submitted a bid of its own to hold on to the rights.

According to sources, the NFL continues to be in discussions with all three bidders but is dragging its feet on a decision. There’s no reason for the NFL to hurry, given that DirecTV will already offer games for the upcoming season.

Exactly how much each of the prospective buyers has offered currently remains unknown.

Apple is eager to bring more sports content to Apple TV+. Earlier this year, the company announced it would stream MLB’s Friday Night Baseball on the platform.

What’s more, the Cupertino, California-based tech giant has reportedly earmarked billions of dollars to spend on live sports content over the next four years.

If a deal is signed between Apple and the NFL, the streaming package may not be available in Canada. Recently, Bell Media re-signed for exclusive NFL broadcasting rights in Canada, for both TV and streaming.