Apple Follows Microsoft’s Example, Plans iPad Partnership with the NHL

Microsoft’s $400 million deal with the NFL has generated mixed reactions among players and coaches, but it’s undoubtedly a very effective way to boost the popularity of the Surface tablets, which are now being used by officials right on the sidelines of every game.

Apple is aiming for the same thing too with a partnership with the NHL that would have iPads becoming the tablet of choice for every team in order to look into statistics, prepare games, and adjust their strategies on the go.

And according to a report from TSN citing people familiar with the matter, Apple is very close to reaching a deal with the NHL in this regard, and an official announcement should be made very soon.

Apple wanted a deal similar to Microsoft’s

Not much is known right now, but it appears that Apple has been negotiating a deal for years, with the NHL asking for $5 million per season from the Cupertino-based technology firm.

Apple, however, rejected this proposal, saying that it’s more interested in signing a partnership rather than a sponsorship that would have the company pay millions of dollars every year. In short, Apple was aiming to strike a deal with the NHL similar to what Microsoft has right now with the NFL.

“The NHL-Apple deal is more of a major partnership than a sponsorship,” a source familiar with the matter was quoted as saying. “Right now, some teams have iPads or other tablets and some don’t. Some have good internet connections, some don’t. The deal is about having a consistent platform than every team can use in every rink.”

What’s also very interesting is that both Microsoft and Apple negotiated with the NHL in the last couple of years, but the iPhone maker is now in pole-position to come to an agreement. On the other hand, it looks like Apple has also tried to form a similar partnership with the National Basketball Association, but in this case, discussions came to no conclusion.

An announcement regarding the deal between Apple and the NHL should be made very soon, as the two sources have nearly agreed on all terms.