• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Apple’s VR Move May Emerge in Sports

UCLA vs Cal
Photo Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Apple has acquired NextVR in a move that could aid its push into sports broadcasting. A purchase price wasn’t disclosed, but a previous report placed the value of the company at approximately $100 million.

NextVR supplies content to a variety of VR headsets and has deals with the NBA and other entertainment networks. Apple generally does not discuss the purpose or plans of its acquisitions, however it’s safe to assume this will assist its development of virtual and augmented reality software and content.

VR technologies could play a part in broadcast rights for sports in the future as consumer habits shift and leagues ponder how to reach fans who prefer to stay away from stadiums post-coronavirus. Apple has had ongoing conversations with the Pac-12 to acquire the conference’s exclusive broadcast rights when its current $250 million deal with Fox and ESPN ends in 2024.

Apple has nearly $200 billion in cash on hand that could help it secure broadcast rights as many major deals expire in the next several years. Such a move could help differentiate Apple+ from other streaming services, however the landscape is quickly changing and several other technology companies, including streamers Google, Facebook, and Amazon, also have large cash reserves.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) shoes during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

Skechers Is Latest Company to Pull Guidance, Citing U.S. Tariffs

Skechers’s healthy international business will help it weather the effects of tariffs.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates his three-point basket in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena.

Evan Mobley’s DPOY Win Adds $45 Million to Contract

Mobley’s contract extension got more expensive with his DPOY win.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.

Featured Today

How DJ Adam Amin Mixes Baseball With Bangers

Amin is one of Fox’s top NFL and MLB voices.
Jun 21, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck holds the Larry O’Brien trophy prior to the Boston Celtics championship parade.
April 27, 2025

The Celtics Succession Plan Remains Murky

The transfer of power to a private-equity group is still unresolved.
April 26, 2025

The Rays Groundskeepers Are Adjusting to Life Outside the Dome

After nearly three decades in a dome, Tampa groundskeepers were forced outside.
April 25, 2025

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.

NFL Draft Hits Historic Viewership Highs Thanks to Sanders Saga

Drama around the fall of Shedeur Sanders likely contributes to robust viewership.
April 25, 2025

Goodell: Three NFL Games Every Christmas Moving Forward

The league is returning to scheduling three games on the holiday this season.
April 25, 2025

NFL Draft Round 1 Draws 13.6M Viewers, Second-Highest Ever

With stars staying on the board, viewers tuned in.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
April 25, 2025

Knicks, Rangers to See Big Cut in MSG Networks Media-Rights Fees

The teams will each see big reductions in their local media-rights fees.
April 24, 2025

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
FuboTV signage
April 23, 2025

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.
Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.
April 23, 2025

Roku’s New Plan to Relieve Streaming Headaches

The streaming company introduces new tools to direct fans to games.