Apple close to finalizing TV rights deal with FIFA for new tournament

The deal could be valued at around $1 billion - a quarter of the $4 billion FIFA had first estimated, as per reports.

The Apple logo (L); the FIFA logo

Credit: Reuters Photos

FIFA is close to an agreement with Apple to give the tech company worldwide television rights for a new, month-long World Cup-style tournament, the New York Times reported on Monday.

The tournament will be held in the United States for the first time next summer, the report said, adding that a deal could be announced as soon as this month.

The deal could be valued at around $1 billion - a quarter of the $4 billion FIFA had first estimated, the report said, citing three people familiar with the matter.

Soccer's global governing body and Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments.