Apple Has 'Expressed Interest' in NBA Streaming Rights

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
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.

Tag: NBA

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

STOCK411 Avatar
33 months ago
If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
uptownnyc Avatar
33 months ago

Would be nice to see, NOBODY cares about baseball.
I've reported this post for hate speech.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FlavorfulTreat Avatar
33 months ago
If Apple can show all the games without blackout rules, it’s an automatic yes from me.

I’ll pay whatever they will charge
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sevendaymelee Avatar
33 months ago

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.
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.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CaptMarvel Avatar
33 months ago
I’d be interested in this, but curious as to what it’d look like in comparison to NBA League Pass.


If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song


One of the best ringtones ever (when ringtones were a thing)!!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ratspg Avatar
33 months ago

If NBC wins the bidding they better bring back the NBA on NBC theme song


So so classic!!! Back when the Bulls used to reign! Love that theme lol.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)