Friday, July 17, 2026

Apple Making Move for Premier League U.K. Rights

  • Apple could bid for U.K. media rights to the Premier League.
  • Some team owners believe the current rights are underpriced.
Premier-League
Premier League

Apple reportedly has its sights on the world’s biggest soccer league.

The tech giant is exploring a bid for U.K. media rights to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail, which would likely present a formidable challenge to the league’s current broadcasters.

  • The league’s current deals with Sky Sports, BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Amazon run through 2025, but the next set of rights negotiations will happen later this year.
  • Those broadcasters will collectively pay $6.3 billion over the current three-year cycle — certain American Premier League team owners, such as Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, reportedly believe it is underpriced.

In November, BT Sport closed a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to create a new sports media giant in the U.K. and Ireland that holds rights to the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, the Olympics, Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and the Tour de France.

Thursday Night Football media setup on sideline game between San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans

Amazon Compensates ‘Thursday Night Football’ Advertisers

Most of the “make-goods” were issued during 2022 season.
January 11, 2023

Apple’s Goal

Boasting a market capitalization of $2.2 trillion, Apple has made soccer a central part of its sports media strategy. 

It turned heads last June by securing a 10-year, $2.5 billion contract for exclusive rights to stream Major League Soccer. It has also reportedly bid for rights for Eredivisie, Netherlands’ top soccer league.

In 2021, it struck a deal with the Premier League to use its licensed material in its hit show “Ted Lasso.” 

Last week, it released a docuseries on the European Super League titled “The War for Football.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLS Commish: ‘We’ve Got a Lot of Boats’ on Soccer’s Rising Tide

The league eyes significant growth in the wake of a massive World Cup.

Falcons Owner Arthur Blank: Atlanta Is All In on More FIFA

He said Atlanta would “certainly want” to join a potential 2038 bid.

World Cup Final Ticket Prices Spike Higher Than $7,700

Messi is boosting demand, but travel remains a barrier.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/16/26 – World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of fireworks over Citizens Bank Park during the fourth inning of the All-Star Game.

MLB All-Star Game Ratings Get a Boost From World Cup

The midseason showcase’s audience rises with a World Cup lead-in.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports
July 16, 2026

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
July 16, 2026

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
2026 ESPY Awards New York Knicks
July 16, 2026

5 Takeaways From the 2026 ESPY Awards

The annual ESPN awards show returned to New York this year.
Adam Friedland
July 15, 2026

How the World Cup Turned Adam Friedland Into a Sports Pundit

The comedian says he’ll continue to create sports content post–World Cup.
Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
July 15, 2026

Can Jon Gruden Reinvent Himself on Play-by-Play?

Gruden will reportedly call a Buccaneers’ preseason game next month.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA- JULY 13: during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry / Netflix)
Opinion
July 14, 2026

Netflix Bounces Back With Home Run Derby Debut

After its panned coverage of Opening Night, Netflix focused on the field.