FIFA is “close to an agreement” with Apple that would give them “worldwide television rights for a major new tournament, a monthlong, World Cup-style competition” for top teams that will be played for the first time in the U.S. next summer that “could be announced as soon as this month,” according to sources cited by Tariq Panja of the N.Y. TIMES. Panja noted there were plans to hold it in China in 2021 but were “scuttled because of the pandemic.” The sources said that the value of the deal “might be as little as a quarter of” the $4B FIFA had first estimated. It is “unclear if the deal with Apple will include any free-to-air rights,” meaning the entire event could be available only to subscribers of Apple TV+, a factor over which senior execs at FIFA have raised concerns. Though, should the deal go through, it would be the first time that FIFA has “agreed to a single worldwide contract.” It would also represent the latest foray into soccer for Apple, which in 2022 signed a 10-year, $2.5B agreement for the global streaming rights to MLS. FIFA was hoping that the tournament, which will feature a mix of successful teams from across the globe “would create huge demand from broadcasters and commercial partners.” But a “combination of poor planning and delays prompted broadcasters to balk at the figures FIFA had sought.” According to sources, sponsors have so far “also been reluctant” to commit the $150M that the organization is seeking for sponsorship packages (N.Y. TIMES, 4/22).
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