• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Apple May Not Be Out of Running for NFL Sunday Ticket

  • Puck reported that frontrunner Apple has chosen not to close deal for package.
  • With talks expected to run into next year, source says Apple could still be in mix.
NFL logo on field inside of SoFi Stadium
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the league meetings last Wednesday that negotiations for NFL Sunday Ticket were at a “very critical point.”

There were dueling reports Friday that stated both Apple had all but finalized the deal, and that was followed by news that the the tech giant had withdrawn from the protracted negotiations.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations told Front Office Sports to not count Apple out just yet as the talks are set to stretch into 2023.

The NFL is seeking to nearly double the $1.5 billion DirecTV currently pays annually for Sunday Ticket. 

DirecTV has carried the NFL’s out-of-market game package exclusively since its inception in 1994.

  • Apple has been seen as the frontrunner for weeks, especially after it inked a deal to make Apple Music the league’s new Super Bowl Halftime Show partner in September.
  • Amazon, which is in its first year as the exclusive home of “Thursday Night Football,” remains in the mix.
  • Google is also a would-be landing spot for Sunday Ticket, which would likely be sold as an add-on for its YouTube TV service.

Only Major NFL Package Left

The NFL created in-market streaming service NFL+ before the season, leaving Sunday Ticket as the final U.S. major rights package that’s not locked up.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in this,” Goodell said of Sunday Ticket. “Our decisions are not based on timelines. They’re based on getting the best outcome.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Bidding Against NBC, Apple for MLB Rights Package

The league continues to negotiate with multiple media-rights bidders.

F1’s ESPN-Apple Dilemma Could Come Down to Reach vs. Money

MLB and MLS games on Apple TV+ have not drawn huge audiences.

Rolapp Weighs In on PGA Tour–LIV Golf Talks, NFL After Goodell

Brian Rolapp is becoming CEO as commissioner Jay Monahan steps down.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.

Netflix Beats Projections Again—and Plots Big Holiday Sports Slate

The streaming giant again beats analyst projections in every respect.
July 15, 2025

MLB Home Run Derby Draws 5.7M Viewers on ESPN, Up 5%

ESPN reverses the trend from last year and registers audience growth.
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a home run in the swing off of after the 2025 MLB All Star Game ended in a tie at Truist Park.
July 16, 2025

MLB All-Star Game Viewership Dips Despite Historic Swing-Off

Game viewership falls 3% despite late dramatics in the unique tiebreaker.
Sponsored

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

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 15, 2025

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark
exclusive
July 15, 2025

‘Good Morning America’ Will Air From WNBA All-Star in First

The All-Star Game’s relevance has exploded with the league in recent years.
NBC Sports
exclusive
July 14, 2025

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.