Apple had its annual Silicon event yesterday where they announced several new products and upgrades. But in addition to the world-class technology products many of us are used to, Apple used the event to speak about its venture into another arena: live sports. CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple will begin broadcasting live Major League Baseball beginning this season. That is, if there is an MLB season in 2022.
Two games (doubleheader) will air on Friday nights. You will need a subscription to Apple TV+ as the Friday night games will not air on regional sports networks. Pre- and post-game shows will air on the streaming network as well.
Apple will also have “MLB Big Inning”, a highlight show covering the entire league. “Big Inning” was part of MLB.tv last season and will remain there. The show will air every weeknight.
How much is Apple paying for the rights to Friday night baseball? The New York Post is reporting a figure between $100 million and $150 million.
The timing of the announcement of this deal is interesting given Major League Baseball’s lockout is still ongoing. No new collective bargaining agreement is in place, so it does beg the question: How will this deal affect negotiations, if at all?
We will find out soon enough.
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