According to the New York Times, Apple is finalizing a deal with FIFA, the governing body of soccer, for exclusive streaming rights to an enhanced version of the Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup brings together the world’s top club teams and a revamped month-long tournament is set to launch next year in the U.S. featuring 32 teams in eight groups. Apple is reportedly interested in being a part of this venture.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the agreement between Apple and FIFA could be announced before the end of the month.
Similar to its Major League Soccer (MLS) coverage, Apple is anticipated to offer Club World Cup coverage for a special fee. For example, access to Apple’s MLS streams currently requires Apple TV+ subscribers to pay an additional $13 per month or $79 per season, while non-subscribers must pay $15 per month or $99 per season.
The Club World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 15 to July 13 and will transition to a new format starting in 2025, occurring every four years before the regular World Cup involving national teams.
Apple’s sports portfolio also includes Major League Baseball coverage and the recently launched Apple Sports app offering live sports scores and real-time stats. Additionally, the popular series Ted Lasso follows an American football coach managing a soccer club in England.
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