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Apple TV has “joined the battle to win US rights” to The Open Championship in the streaming platform’s latest move into golf, according to Matt Hughes of the London GUARDIAN. Apple has had “preliminary discussions with the R&A about bidding for the Open,” whose current U.S. deal with NBC expires in 2028. The formal tender process will “take place at the start of next year,” with the R&A also “expecting interest from Apple’s fellow streamers Netflix and Amazon in a major challenge to traditional broadcasters.” NBC has had live rights to the Open since 2017 when it outbid existing holder ESPN to secure a 12-year deal, but now “appears in danger of losing its foothold.” NBC’s Open rights are shared with media company Versant, which operates the Golf Channel. A source noted that Apple “remains committed to investing in sports rights, and will continue to search for the right properties” (London GUARDIAN, 8/11). Apple TV targeting U.S. rights to Open Championship