Apple became a player in the content game and the streaming wars with the introduction of Apple+ last year. It has been no secret that in addition to scripted shows, the company would like to have control of live sports rights as well. It’s been previously reported that the company has already reached out to the PAC-12 about acquiring the conference’s primary media rights when current deals with ESPN and FOX expire in 2024.
What would Apple even do with sports rights? Well, according to Pat Evans of Front Office Sports, its recent acquisition of NextVR may provide some answers.
NextVR provides content to VR headsets and already has a deal in place with the NBA. If Apple was really thinking ahead to 2024 and wanting to make sure that it had a new, progressive plan for the PAC-12 or any other potential sports partner, the ability to present games in virtual reality would be quite a point of differentiation from traditional networks.
The closing price of the deal was not reported, although last month 9to5Mac reported that Apple had offered $100 million for NextVR. That is just a fraction of what the company has to build its sports empire. Evans reports that Apple could be willing to throw around as much as $250 billion over the next several years to become a player in the world of sports.
Apple has reportedly been very clear with the PAC-12 that it is not looking for a separate streaming rights deal. The company wants Apple+ to be the primary television rights holder for the league. With the acquisition of NextVR it is worth wondering if that might change or if Apple might be willing to do separate VR deals with pro leagues.
