FIFA and Apple TV are reportedly close to agreeing a broadcast rights deal for the 2025 Club World Cup, which will feature an expanded field of 32 teams and European giants such as Man City and Real Madrid.
Last year, Apple TV entered the soccer streaming space when it signed a massive 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Major League Soccer.
And now, according to the New York Times, the tech giant appears set to strike a deal with FIFA, in a deal that would mark the first time soccer’s governing body has sold broadcast rights to a single company.
While FIFA had estimated the value of the tournament at $4 billion, the Times said Apple could win the rights to the Club World Cup for “just” a quarter of that figure, or $1 billion.
The newly expanded tournament format was due to debut in 2021 in China, but plans were scuttled due to the COVID pandemic.
Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid is confirmed as a participant in the 2025 Club World Cup
Apple previously signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Major League Soccer
The 2025 tournament will be held in the United States in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, sponsors are said to have been “reluctant” to pay the $150 million in sponsorship fees requested by FIFA.
The deal would represent another big investment in soccer for Apple after its deal with MLS.
With Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami last summer, early returns on Apple’s investment have been promising, as the company surpassed two million subscribers for the MLS Season Pass (the streaming service launched by MLS and Apple). last year, according sports business journal.
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature a group of the best teams from around the world, with Bayern Munich, PSG, Flamengo and Monterrey also among the confirmed participants.
The tournament will reportedly be played between June 15 and July 13 next year.
