Observed Signal · Aug 13, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Apple Eyes US Rights to The Open Championship
Apple TV is reportedly positioning itself to bid for the United States broadcast rights to golf’s Open Championship, with preliminary discussions held between Apple and the R&A. The current U.S. rights deal with NBC — shared with Golf Channel/Versant and in place since 2017 after outbidding ESPN — expires in 2028. A formal tender process is expected to open early next year, with streamers including Netflix and Amazon likely to pursue the package. The article notes Apple’s prior sports investments (an early-ended MLS deal and a five-year U.S. Formula One rights deal) and discusses how a shift of The Open to a major streamer could affect viewing habits, advertising models, and the broader golf media ecosystem.
Major streaming entrant (Apple) pursuing premium live sports rights could affect CTV inventory, ad opportunities, and rights valuations across broadcasters and streamers.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple TV has held preliminary discussions with the R&A about U.S. broadcast rights to golf’s Open Championship.
- The existing U.S. rights arrangement with NBC (which outbid ESPN in 2017 for a 12-year package) is set to expire in 2028.
- Coverage under the current deal has been shared with the Golf Channel, operated by media company Versant.
- A formal tender process for the U.S. rights is scheduled to begin early next year, with Netflix and Amazon expected to explore bids.
- Apple previously had a 10-year Major League Soccer agreement (valued at $2.5 billion) that ended early and secured a five-year exclusive U.S. Formula One rights deal for $750 million.
Connected Companies & Entities
9 Entities mapped“Apple TV is positioning itself as a serious contender for the United States broadcast rights to golf’s Open Championship, marking another si...”
“The existing arrangement with NBC, which has carried the tournament live since 2017 after outbidding ESPN for a lengthy twelve-year package,...”
“Under that deal, coverage has been shared with the Golf Channel, operated by media company Versant....”
“With multiple streamers trying to get rights, it could drive up the value of the rights package. Netflix and Amazon are also expected to exp...”
“With multiple streamers trying to get rights, it could drive up the value of the rights package. Netflix and Amazon are also expected to exp...”
“Preliminary discussions have already taken place between Apple and the R and A, the governing body that organizes the event, as the current ...”
“Please add Cord Cutters News as a source for your Google News feed HERE....”
“The existing arrangement with NBC, which has carried the tournament live since 2017 after outbidding ESPN for a lengthy twelve-year package,...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Apple TV Becomes U.S. Home for Formula 1
Apple TV will become the exclusive U.S. home for Formula 1 beginning in 2026 under a five-year rights deal that moves live races, qualifying and practice sessions from ESPN to Apple’s subscription streaming service. Reports indicate Apple is paying roughly $150 million per year, up from the approximately $90 million ESPN paid. All F1 content, including the F1 TV Premium service, will be bundled into a standard Apple TV subscription. The deal follows the commercial success of the Apple Original film "F1 The Movie" starring Brad Pitt and is part of a broader industry trend of major sports migrating from linear cable to streaming platforms. The article notes the global rights landscape remains fragmented and that existing Netflix series like "Drive to Survive" are not affected.
Apple Nears U.S. Formula 1 Broadcast Rights Deal
Formula 1 is reportedly in final negotiations over its next U.S. media-rights agreement, with Apple emerging as the front-runner to replace ESPN after the 2025 season. Reports say Apple has submitted a nine-figure bid in the range of $120–$150 million per year, eclipsing ESPN’s approximate $90 million annual payment. Liberty Media—which owns F1—is said to be seeking a strategic partner that can act beyond a traditional broadcaster to amplify fan engagement. Apple’s recent collaboration on the film F1: The Movie and Netflix’s continued interest (bolstered by Drive to Survive) are both cited as factors shaping bidders. A move to a streaming-exclusive U.S. rights deal would test whether F1’s large U.S. audience will migrate behind a new paywall and could shift distribution and monetization dynamics for the sport.
Apple developers prepare apps for iPhone Duo launch
Apple announced that iPhone Duo will be available to customers starting October 23, 2026. Developers are encouraged to build or recompile their apps with Xcode 27.1, which adds development support for the new device. The company also updated App Store product page asset specifications, including screenshots and app previews for iPhone Duo. Developers can submit optimized apps and games today via App Store Connect. Starting April 2027, new app submissions will need to include iPhone Duo screenshots. This announcement provides guidance and tools for developers to prepare their apps for the new device.
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