Apple plans to challenge Amazon, Disney and Netflix in the streaming wars — and is convinced that live sports is the way to do it.

The investment firm Wedbush says the technology firm is ready to spend billions on live sports to increase subscriptions to its Apple TV+ streaming service.

It’s been previously noted that Apple has been in various discussions with the major sports leagues.

  • The New York Post reported that Apple is in serious talks to secure a weekday game package from Major League Baseball.
  • The company has reportedly shown interest in “NFL Sunday Ticket,” which could garner $2.5 billion per season in broadcast rights.
  • The Premier League struck a licensing deal with Apple TV+’s hit comedy “Ted Lasso” that allows the show to use the league’s footage, logos, club kits, and trophy.

 Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimates Apple has about 20 million paid subscribers, which is a far cry from Amazon Prime Video’s 100 million paid subscriber base, Disney+’s 118 million paid subscriber base and Netflix’s 214 million paid subscriber base.