Blog
Following the Success of Brad Pitt’s Movie, Apple Turns Its Focus to Acquiring Formula 1 Broadcasting Rights
Jul
Building on its successful forays into cinema and sports, Apple is now setting its sights on acquiring another exciting sports league.
Apple in Serious Talks to Secure Formula 1 Broadcast Rights, Aiming for 2026 Launch on Apple TV
Apple has entered into serious negotiations to acquire the broadcast rights for Formula 1, with plans to stream the races via the Apple TV app in the U.S. According to Financial Times, the current contract for broadcasting the series is held by ESPN and will expire at the end of this year. If Apple secures the deal, Formula 1 races could begin streaming on the platform from the 2026 season.
Although ESPN’s exclusive bidding period has ended due to rising costs, the network remains on the list of potential bidders, alongside Apple and other competitors, as they vie for the coveted rights. Currently, Liberty Media owns Formula 1, and the revenue generated from U.S. broadcast rights is estimated at approximately $90 million annually.
Currently, users can access Formula 1 races directly through the F1 TV service by paying an annual fee of around $130. However, in some markets, exclusive broadcasting rights holders limit access to the service. If Apple succeeds in securing the deal, it’s unlikely that users will still have the option to watch races through F1 TV.
Apple’s Growing Interest in Formula 1: A New Era for Sports Streaming
Apple has previously shown a keen interest in the world of Formula 1. Company executives are often spotted at race days, and the tech giant recently launched F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, in theaters. Additionally, a documentary about the famous Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will soon be available for streaming on Apple TV+.
This is not Apple’s first major venture into sports broadcasting. The company has already made significant strides with exclusive broadcasts of Friday Night Baseball and all MLS (Major League Soccer) games. Adding Formula 1 to its growing sports portfolio seems like a natural next step as Apple continues to strengthen its sports content offering.
