Apple Exploring Streaming NFL’s Sunday Ticket Games On Apple TV+

deadline.com:

Apple has been approached by the NFL about acquiring the rights for the league’s Sunday Ticket package, Deadline has learned.

Rights to the slate of games are currently held by DirecTV but would move to Apple TV+. The agreement with the AT&T-owned satellite TV provider is up after the 2022 season.

NFL Sunday Ticket currently allows viewers to watch any out-of-market NFL game on DirecTV, or via streaming for those who can’t get DirecTV.

AT&T recently sold off 30% of the satellite operator to a private equity firm as a means of reducing its debt load. In announcing that transaction, the company noted the elimination of up to $2.5 billion in losses from Sunday Ticket.It is unclear whether Apple will engage the idea in a meaningful way.