Pac-12 football allegedly eyeballing Apple TV+ bailout

The Pac-12 conference is the last without a TV partner, and Apple TV+ is rumored to be a prime target amid lukewarm demand from other streamers.

Apple's desire for more sports on its Apple TV+ streaming service has begun attracting attention from smaller sports conferences. While the company passed on NFL Sunday Ticket after overreaching in negotiations, American football could still come to the platform.

According to a report from the New York Post, the Pac-12 conference is without a TV partner and is looking to Apple for a deal. Sources familiar with the matter state that the Pac-12 conference may be struggling to find a service to air its games on, as it has lost some high-profile teams to the Big Ten.

Neither Apple nor the Pac-12 commented on the story. However, it seems to be a win-win opportunity for both Apple and Pac-12, given the position both are in.

The Pac-12 is currently partnered with ESPN and Fox Sports through the end of next season, but it isn't clear if those networks will renew their contracts. The Big 12 have already signed extensions with ESPN and Fox, for example.

Apple is looking for more sports content for Apple TV+, but it is a shrewd negotiator and seems to want more control and rights than some franchises want to give up. It was for this reason that Apple ultimately passed on Sunday Ticket.

If Pac-12 does make an offer to Apple, it is also more likely to give up more than just football. The report suggests Apple could gain production from the Pac-12 Network as well.

Apple TV+ streams MLB Friday Night Baseball and will begin streaming MLS Season Pass at the start of the 2023 season. The company is also apparently in early talks to acquire NBA streaming rights.