Following on from the news we brought you regarding the Apple TV Version 4.2 upgrade, all the buzz is about the ability to stream live NBA and MLB games. But what about international viewers and what about other sports? Currently, and baring in mind we are talking two days since it’s launch, the NBA International League Pass does not permit viewing of League Pass content on Apple TVs outside of the US. Our hunch at The Apple TV Guide is that this could change fairly soon on a country to country basis, depending on some TV rights issues. One positive in favour of international viewers is the absence of local team “black out” issues, leaving one less hurdle for full Apple TV viewing capability. We’ll endeavour to keep you posted on this.

This, directly from NBA League Pass:

‘The application you are looking at on Apple TV is for the US League Pass which is a different product for the International League Pass. At this time NBA International League Pass does not have an Apple TV application. If you have any more questions please let us know. Thank You.’

We’ve also got our ears to the ground regarding other sports. It is pretty unlikely that the NFL, which hold the world’s most sort after and expensive TV rights, will be seen on Apple TV any time soon. At least not in the US anyway. International fans may be better placed with the NFL Game Pass currently streaming games to computers worldwide. It’s not unrealistic to see this ability extended to the Apple TV.

We’ve also heard completely unsubstantiated rumours about talks between Apple and the NHL Gamecenter. Hockey fans, make what you will of that.

Regardless, Wednesday’s news regarding the NBA and MLB on Apple TV is a giant leap forward for supporters of the Apple TV as it is a real show of commitment by Apple to what has famously been described by them as a ‘hobby’.

Image Credits: Getty Images (Matt Sullivan)