Apple in Early Talks for U.S. Broadcast Rights to Golf's Open Championship

Apple has held preliminary discussions with the R&A about acquiring U.S. broadcast rights to golf's Open Championship, according to a report from The Guardian, which cited a source with knowledge of the company's plans. The talks come as NBC's current U.S. media rights agreement approaches its expiration in 2028, with the formal tender process expected to begin early next year.



The R&A says it expects to hold discussions with incumbent partners NBC and Versant, which operates the Golf Channel, while also monitoring the evolving broadcast landscape and wider interest in its media rights. Netflix and Amazon are also expected to bid when the tender process begins, according to the report.


First played in Scotland in 1860, The Open Championship is the oldest of golf's four men's major tournaments. NBC has held U.S. live rights since 2017 after outbidding ESPN, but now faces potential competition from streaming platforms.

Apple has continued expanding its live sports portfolio in recent years. It already streams Friday Night Baseball and Major League Soccer matches, and is now the exclusive U.S. home of Formula 1 under a five-year agreement. Although its original 10-year Major League Soccer agreement ended early by mutual consent amid disappointing viewing figures, the source said the company remains committed to investing in sports rights and will continue searching for the right properties.