Apple is reportedly in early discussions to acquire streaming rights for golf’s U.S. Open Championship, aiming to expand its sports content portfolio on Apple TV. The current broadcasting agreement with NBC Sports is set to expire in 2028, opening the door for new contenders in the sports streaming arena.
Historically, the U.S. Open has been broadcast by various networks. NBC held the rights from 1995 to 2014, after which Fox Sports took over from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, NBC reclaimed the broadcasting rights, which are slated to continue through 2028. This timeline presents an opportunity for Apple to enter the bidding process for the subsequent rights period.
Apple’s interest in the U.S. Open aligns with its recent strategic moves into sports broadcasting. In March 2022, Apple introduced ‘Friday Night Baseball,’ offering weekly Major League Baseball games on Apple TV+. Later that year, the company secured a 10-year deal with Major League Soccer (MLS), launching the ‘MLS Season Pass’ in February 2023. Additionally, in October 2025, Apple acquired U.S. rights to Formula One racing, set to begin in the 2026 season.
The U.S. Open Championship, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), is one of golf’s four major tournaments and holds significant prestige in the sports world. Securing its streaming rights would not only enhance Apple TV’s sports offerings but also attract a dedicated golf audience to the platform.
Apple’s potential bid for the U.S. Open rights reflects a broader trend of tech companies entering the sports broadcasting market, challenging traditional networks. This move could signal a shift in how major sporting events are consumed, with streaming platforms becoming increasingly central to sports media distribution.
As the expiration of NBC’s current contract approaches, the competition for the U.S. Open broadcasting rights is expected to intensify. Apple’s involvement underscores the growing importance of sports content in the streaming wars and highlights the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in live sports broadcasting.
