Apple Reportedly Interested In Bidding For '13-16 EPL TV Rights

Apple is "showing interest in joining the billion-pound battle for the next set" of live EPL TV rights "when the tender goes out before the end of the season." Google is also "expected to make similar soundings," giving the league a "hugely competitive market." The "three certain bidders" will be Sky, ESPN and Al Jazeera. For Apple, getting the rights "will help establish Apple TV in the UK and boost iPad sales" (DAILYMAIL.co.uk, 1/4).

However, PAIDCONTENT.org's Robert Andrews writes speculation that Apple and/or Google may bid for the '13-16 rights is "almost certainly wide of the post." Both are "technology companies, providing only access to and distribution of content; owning that content would be expensive, unnecessary and out of character" (PAIDCONTENT.org, 1/4).