Apple has unveiled its latest venture into the sports world with the launch of Apple Sports, a free app for iPhones providing real-time scores, statistics, and live betting odds across various leagues including the NBA, NHL, and MLS. Set for release before March Madness, the app will cover both men’s and women’s NCAA basketball games, with plans to expand to include the NFL and MLB in the future.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services who oversees the app and was personally involved in its creation, emphasized the app’s speed and accessibility, aiming to cater to the demands of sports enthusiasts. Notably, the app will initially be ad-free, posing a challenge to established players like ESPN in the mobile sports app market.
This move marks Apple’s continued foray into sports content, complementing its existing partnerships with leagues such as MLB and MLS for streaming rights on Apple TV+. Competitor Amazon has also entered the fray by securing exclusive broadcasting rights for NFL games.
Although Apple Sports won’t directly stream games, it will guide users to the appropriate platforms for viewing. The tech and media industries increasingly recognize the value of sports content in attracting paying subscribers, evidenced by record-breaking ratings for recent NFL events and significant streaming figures for platforms like Peacock during exclusive broadcasts.
