Apple TV Explores US Rights Bid for Golf’s Open Championship

What happened:

Watch the highlights:

The Guardian reports that Apple TV has joined the battle to win US rights to golf’s Open Championship, with preliminary discussions held with the R&A about a possible bid. NBC is the current US broadcaster of the tournament, and the existing deal is reported to expire in 2028.

Why it matters:

This is a media-rights story, not a tournament-result story, but it could shape how one of golf’s major championships is watched in the United States. The confirmed development is Apple’s interest and early contact. The unconfirmed part is everything that would matter commercially: whether Apple makes a formal bid, whether the R&A accepts one, and whether NBC or another broadcaster retains or wins the package.

Rights impact:

The Open is one of golf’s central annual events, and US broadcast distribution affects reach, viewing habits and sponsorship value. A streaming platform entering the conversation signals how live sports rights continue to move beyond traditional television. Apple TV has already been expanding in sports broadcasting, and interest in the Open would fit that broader direction, but the report stops short of saying any agreement is close.

Fan consequence:

For US golf fans, the practical question is access. A move from NBC to a streaming-first home would change the viewing routine for a major championship that still draws casual and dedicated audiences. It could mean different presentation, subscription requirements, app-based viewing and potentially new production choices. None of that is confirmed yet, but those are the consequences that make preliminary talks worth tracking before the rights cycle reaches decision point.

Tournament-business angle:

The R&A’s leverage is timing. With the NBC deal running until 2028, there is room for competition, valuation and platform strategy to develop. If Apple’s interest becomes formal, the Open’s US rights could become a useful test of how aggressively streaming companies want premium golf properties, especially as live sport remains one of the few programming categories that reliably commands appointment viewing.

What to watch:

The next meaningful step would be a formal bidding process or more detailed reporting on Apple’s offer, NBC’s renewal position, and any other bidders. Until then, the story should be treated as early market positioning. Interest is not a rights transfer, and preliminary discussions are not a completed broadcast deal.

Confidence:

Confirmed by the source: Apple TV has had preliminary discussions with the R&A about bidding for US rights to the Open Championship, and NBC’s current US deal expires in 2028. Still requiring follow-up: whether Apple submits a formal bid, what NBC does next, and who ultimately secures the rights.