FAANG: Apple makes its first sports media rights acquisition with MLB

Apple, the US technology and electronics company, has made its first media rights acquisition in sports by signing an agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) to broadcast two games per gameday each Friday night via its streaming service Apple TV+, on 08/03/2022.

The multi-year agreement will begin at the start of the 2022 regular season (MLB is currently in lockout: no competition due to a lack of agreement between the owners' and players' unions) and covers nine countries: the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. "Friday Night Baseball will expand to additional countries at a later date," according to Apple.

"In addition to 'Friday Night Baseball', fans in the US will be able to enjoy 'MLB Big Inning', a live show featuring highlights and look-ins airing every weeknight during the regular season. Baseball fans in the US and Canada will also have access to a new 24/7 livestream with MLB game replays, news and analysis, highlights, classic games, and more, as well as a full complement of on-demand programming…