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Apple Has 'Expressed Interest' in NBA Streaming Rights

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Apple has "expressed interest" in acquiring an NBA streaming package, according to a new report from CNBC. Apple is among other interested parties that include Amazon and NBC Sports, with NBCUniversal particularly interested in reacquiring NBA games.

nba-logo.jpg

NBCUniversal is aiming for a deal that would allow it to air playoff games on the NBC network, with some regular season games exclusive to Peacock streaming service. The report does not have specifics on what other potential buyers like Apple might be interested in.

NBC used to have rights to the NBA until Disney and Turner Sports purchased them more than 20 years ago, and negotiations cannot restart unless Turner Sports and Disney agree to waive an exclusive negotiation window that expires in April 2024. The NBA could ultimately opt to extend its contract with Disney and Turner Sports rather than taking bids from outside companies, but there is a chance at this point that Apple will be able to make a bid.

CNBC suggests that the NBA could create two packages for bidders, with content for three or four partners split between streaming and traditional TV.

Apple has been pursuing sports content in an effort to attract new viewers to the Apple TV+ streaming service. The company has signed deals with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. MLS games will be available in February, with the MLS Season Pass priced at $14.99 per month or $99 per season, while MLB content premiered last spring with Friday Night Baseball.

Article Link: Apple Has 'Expressed Interest' in NBA Streaming Rights
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/02/13/apple-interested-nba-streaming-rights/
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FlavorfulTreat said:
If Apple can show all the games without blackout rules, it’s an automatic yes from me.

I’ll pay whatever they will charge
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Exactly this. Currently the NBA streaming deals are incessantly blacked out; it sucks.

I too will pay whatever they want to charge if there are no blackouts. Currently streaming with blackouts is more trouble than it is worth.
 
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I am probably naive for saying this, but an organization as big as NBA should create its own streaming service. Cut out the middlemen and create separate packages for the households and businesses. They might miss out on bidding wars and such, but in the long run, it's best to create a lasting relationship directly with the fans.
 
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redbeard331 said:
Lol, baseball is just so unbelievably boring, it’s fun to go to the batting cages and hit balls, but watching it is like watching grass grow. I’m glad to see Apple is taking interest in another sport.
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MLB is the second biggest sport in terms of revenue in the country, not the NBA. Your dislike of it is fine. You can find it boring. You can rip on it until the preverbal cows come home. But it's the second biggest sport in the country, and more people are into it than the NBA.

The only sport that out-earns MLB is the NFL, which looms over everything.
 
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Sports fans will pay whatever it takes. Absolutely No amount they will not pay if the package fits. Apple make the package unlimited, charge Super Bowl pricing, reap massive profits. Need more money, double the price, sports fans
will pay.
 
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redbeard331 said:
Lol, baseball is just so unbelievably boring, it’s fun to go to the batting cages and hit balls, but watching it is like watching grass grow. I’m glad to see Apple is taking interest in another sport.
Click to expand...

I get what you're saying - as a hockey fan, it's very slow in comparison, but it's still beloved by many. Myself included.

And yes - basketball is faster paced than baseball. Except for that last minute or two of a close-ish game, where the trailing team keeps fouling to try to creep back into it. The NBA could easily fix that -- last couple minutes, if you're fouled, you get the shots and possession - but they never will.
 
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I've had League Pass for years, and I've had no trouble on the TV side but so many issues streaming at home and at work. I'd love for this happen.
 
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