The global football governing body, FIFA is close to finalizing a TV rights agreement with Apple for the 2025 Club World Cup. This expanded 32-team tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States next summer.
The anticipated deal, slated to be announced later this month, represents a significant advancement for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision for the competition. This comes after previous setbacks, notably the cancellation of plans to host the event in China in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The value of the deal is expected to be around $1 billion, significantly lower than FIFA’s initial estimate of $4 billion, with uncertainties about the inclusion of free-to-air rights according to a report by the New York Times. This has raised concerns among FIFA executives, as this could potentially restrict access to Apple TV+ subscribers. If finalized, this would be Apple’s latest foray into football, following their $2.5 billion, 10-year streaming rights agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2022 and FIFA’s first global contract for a single event.
FIFA showcases top teams globally, and seeks substantial interest from broadcasters and sponsors, especially from Europe, home to much of the top talent. However, they still face challenges like inadequate planning and sponsorship hesitancy, which hinders their funding efforts. An agreement with a tech giant like Apple may align with President Infantino’s goals and could bolster the tournament’s reputation and quality.
Furthermore, the 2025 Club World Cup, scheduled to be held from June 15 to July 13, faces logistical and financial challenges, particularly in the United States, where it will precede the 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026. While games are planned for large venues, including NFL stadiums, securing title sponsors remains a key priority for FIFA as the event nears.
Notably, European clubs are looking for clarity on a variety of aspects including venue selection and the tournament’s name, which is currently under review by FIFA. To boost the tournament’s global appeal and ensure its success in the competitive sports broadcasting market, a potential collaboration with Apple will help it in achieving its goals.
