CUPERTINO CA — Apple will be entering the live sports coverage arena through “Friday Night Baseball.”
Apple and Major League Baseball jointly announced Tuesday that Apple TV+ would carry a weekly doubleheader Friday night in eight countries, when the regular baseball season begins. Apple TV+ subscriptions will not be required for the initial availability of games.
MLB was under surveillance work stoppage Since the collective bargaining agreement ended, owners have locked out players. It is the second longest work stoppage in baseball’s history at 97 days.
Apple TV+ broadcasts will include pregame as well as postgame shows. These broadcasts are not subject to local broadcast blackout limitations. Games will initially be shown in the United States and Canada, as well as in Mexico and Canada.
The agreement also includes the “MLB Big Inning”, weekday show for US fans as well as a livestream channel, for Canadian and US viewers.
MLB has been looking at selling a weeknight package that includes ESPN games. It would allow ESPN to reduce its coverage of Sunday night games to just 30 games. A new rights deal with Turner Sports will allow Turner Sports to broadcast games on Tuesday nights starting this season.
Apple and MLB have been closely linked for many years. MLB At Bat was among the first apps to launch on the Apple app store.
Apple also announced the deal as it looks to expand its reach to other leagues. The company is looking into streaming NFL games once the league’s “Sunday Ticket”, expires at season’s end.