Apple TV is positioning itself to compete for the US broadcasting rights to The Open Championship, marking a significant step in the company's ongoing expansion into live sports streaming. According to reports, Apple has engaged in preliminary discussions with the R&A, the governing body responsible for the tournament, to explore a potential bid.

While the current broadcast agreement with NBC remains in effect until 2028, the R&A is preparing for a formal tender process scheduled to commence at the beginning of next year. The entry of a major technology firm like Apple into the bidding pool signals a potential shift in the sports media landscape, as traditional broadcasters face increased pressure from streaming platforms. The R&A anticipates that other major streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon, may also participate in the bidding process, creating a competitive environment that challenges the dominance of traditional television networks. NBC has held the live rights to the tournament since 2017, following a successful bid that displaced ESPN. As the industry looks toward the 2028 expiration of the current contract, the involvement of tech giants suggests that the future of major golf broadcasting may move away from cable television and toward digital-first streaming models.