Apple could be expanding its reach with regards to sports as the company appears to be working towards potentially securing a deal for the rights of games for college football. This comes as the deal was proposed to the Pac-12.
Apple TV+ Could be Looking to Add College Football with a Proposal to Pac-12
According to Mac Rumors, college football could be coming to Apple TV+ as the company looks like it's trying to work out a deal to get college football on its platform. The deal was proposed to the Pac-12 to potentially get the rights.
ESPN reports that George Kliavkoff, the commissioner of Pac-12, gave a statement regarding the deal as he presented the conference with what was described as a potential subscription-based streaming deal with Apple.
This comes as the Pac-12 television contract is expected to expire after the school year. Because of this, Apple reportedly has an opportunity to negotiate a new deal but this has not et been confirmed despite Apple being what was described as the "likely leader."
Should the Deal Push Through, Apple Would Start Streaming the 2024 to 2025 Season
It was noted that should a deal come through, it would reportedly start for the 2024 to 2025 season and initially start as a short-term thing. It was noted that the deal with Apple could be like its current one with the MLS, with the company offering a standalone subscription which would in turn result in them getting exclusive streaming rights.
As also noted by Mac Daily News, sources reportedly shared that the first year was reportedly expected to become relatively short-term with Apple and that it would start in 2024 to 2025. The start would be quite low to the league's hope.
However, the deal is expected to incrementally improve and even allow it to compete with peers like ACC and Big 12 as long as the number of subscribers is finally met. The article by Mac Rumors shares the different universities that were included in Pac-12.
The Pac-12 Participants Include Some of the Most Popular Universities
Some of the most popular participants include the University of Arizona, UC Berkeley, and University of Utah, along with other popular members like the Arizona State University, University of Oregon, University of Washington, Stanford University, and Washington State University along with other affiliate members.
Apple's entrance into college football comes at a time that Pac-12 members remain concerned regarding a significant drop in viewership. These concerns were regarding about how the traditional broadcast model could be replaced for streaming.
When it comes to a Pac-12 streaming deal, Apple would need to reportedly provide enough money and exposure that is being looked for by universities. With regards to the Big 12 Conference, it was able to secure a deal with ESPN and Fox with the teams expected to earn a yearly $31.7 million.
Should Apple really want a deal with college football, the company would need to offer more than that not just in terms of profit but also in terms of attention.
