Rumors of Apple buying Manchester United have been circling the internet, which would be a big step for the tech giant into the sporting industry. However, the rumors are not true. The Premier League club's board has been talking about exploring strategic alternatives, which includes selling it. That may have started the talks of Apple buying it for $7 billion.
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-GLAZERS A Manchester United logo is pictured outside of Old Trafford stadium, home ground of Manchester United football team, in Manchester, northern England, on November 23, 2022. - Manchester United's owners said Tuesday they were ready to sell the club after it was earlier confirmed star player Cristiano Ronaldo was leaving the Premier League giants. Weeks of turbulence at Old Trafford appeared to have come to an end when the club announced Ronaldo was leaving with "immediate effect". (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Source of the Rumor
Manchester United is majorly owned by the Glazer family, which has been the case since 2005, according to MacRumors. Reports say that fans wanted them to cut ties with the league and that they finally agreed to the demands and sell it. Of course, they will send it to the highest bidder, and it has been heard through the grapevine that Apple was interested in the deal.
The sale may also have been urged by its star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving the team. There have been reports of Apple CEO Tim Cook being interested in the opportunity of owning the soccerclub, despite not having any experience in a league as big as Man United. Daily Star even stated that Cook will talk to the banks in charge of overseeing the sale, including The Raine Group. The bottom line is, Apple isn't buying Manchester United.
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Apple is Not Entirely Out of the Sports Scene
Even if Apple is not planning to acquire a major soccer league, they are looking into sports content. The tech company has partnered with the MLB, which allows Apple TV+ to air a "Friday Night Baseball" doubleheader due every week, for the 2022 regular season. That's not even the biggest news for Apple regarding sports.
For the next ten years, Apple will be launching the MLS Season Pass on February 1, 2023, in partnership with Major League Soccer. The new subscription will service will be available in 100 countries and regions, with several ways to access the content. The tech giant stated that the MLS Season Pass will be a way to bring MLS to a bigger audience.
Fans who are interested could view the games through Apple devices, Smart TVs, consoles, set-top boxes, and through the tv.apple.com website. Although, you will need the Apple TV app to do so. The Season Pass grants the audience live MLS regular-season matches, the playoffs, and the Leagues Cup. All with no blackouts.
All of the 29 MLS Leagues will have an Apple TV patch, each in different colors. This will be seen as the MLS 2023 regular season begins, which is on Februrary 25, 2023. The season will be kicked off by the 2022 MLS Cup champions, the Los Angeles FC. They will be facing the LA Galaxy, which is set to take place in the Rose Bowl Stadium. Fans can watch it through the Apple TV app, for free.
This could be the signup for an Apple TV+ subscription if you're a fan. You can purchase a monthly subscription for $6.99, or just go for the Apple One plan. It has Apple TV+ along with five other Apple services, which you can get for $16.95 per month.
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