Apple TV has failed to reach an agreement to broadcast the 2025 Club World Cup.
Apple TV has made significant strides in sports streaming, with the renowned Cupertino-based platform recently securing broadcast rights to major leagues including Major League Soccer (MLS).
However, despite its growing presence, Apple suffered a notable setback on Wednesday, losing the rights to the FIFA Club World Cup to DAZN.
Apple's multi-million deal with MLS, worth $250 million over the next ten seasons, was a game changer, especially in the United States, where sporting events are increasingly attracting attention. This partnership marked a turning point in sports broadcasting, with Apple also making a strategic investment to bring Lionel Messi to MLS.
Apple was left high and dry with DAZN success
The Argentine star's presence has driven a significant increase in MLS Season Pass subscriptions over the past two seasons, with Messi earning a share of the new revenue generated by his influence.
One of Apple's main ambitions was to secure the broadcast rights for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States. After successfully working with MLS teams like the Seattle Sounders and Messi's Inter Miami, Apple looked to further expand its sports portfolio by partnering with FIFA.
Unfortunately, FIFA's announcement has derailed these plans, leaving Apple with only the 2025 MLS season and the Leagues Cup on its calendar.
Apple's billion-dollar gamble did not yield the desired results. The New York Times had previously reported that Apple was willing to invest $1 billion to acquire the Club World Cup rights.
Despite the money involved, DAZN secured the rights with an offer of €1 billion, according to media such as RMC, an amount that convinced FIFA to shift its preference despite earlier indications that Apple was a strong competitor.
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