Apple in Talks to Acquire US Formula One Streaming Rights After F1 Movie Success
Apple is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure the exclusive US streaming rights for Formula One, marking a significant move in sports broadcasting following the box office triumph of its racing film, “F1: The Movie”. This potential deal could reshape how American fans watch the world’s premier motorsport and further position Apple TV+ as a major player in live sports streaming.
Why Is Apple Interested in Formula One?
- Box Office Success: Apple’s “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, has grossed over $293 million globally in its first 10 days, making it the company’s highest-grossing film to date.
- Rising F1 Popularity: Formula One’s US audience has doubled since 2018, now averaging around 1.1 million viewers per race, with early 2025 races drawing up to 1.3 million fans.
- Streaming Expansion: Apple already streams Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball. Adding Formula One would strengthen its live sports lineup and attract a broader audience
The Current State of F1 Broadcasting in the US
- ESPN’s Role: ESPN, owned by Disney, currently holds the US broadcast rights, paying about $85–$90 million annually. This contract ends after the 2025 season.
- Open Bidding: ESPN had an exclusive window to renew, but it lapsed without a deal. Now, Apple and other tech giants, including Netflix, are preparing bids for the next rights cycle beginning in 2026.
- Projected Value: Analysts estimate the next US Formula One broadcasting deal could be worth $120–$150 million per year, reflecting the sport’s surging popularity and the impact of Apple’s F1 movie.
What Could Change for Fans?
- Streaming on Apple TV+: If Apple secures the rights, Formula One races could become available exclusively on the Apple TV app as early as 2026.
- Impact on F1 TV: The fate of Formula One’s own streaming service (F1 TV) in the US is uncertain. Apple may require exclusivity, potentially geo-blocking F1 TV for US viewers.
- Potential Subscription Model: Apple could introduce a dedicated F1 subscription, similar to its MLS Season Pass, or bundle it with Apple TV+.
Why This Move Matters
- Tech Giants in Sports: Apple’s bid signals the growing influence of tech companies in live sports, challenging traditional broadcasters and changing how fans access major events.
- Hollywood and Sports Synergy: The success of Apple’s F1 movie, combined with the popularity of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” has boosted Formula One’s profile in the US, attracting younger and more diverse audiences.
- Bigger Stakes: With Apple’s deep pockets and streaming ambitions, the next Formula One deal could set new benchmarks for sports rights in the digital era
What’s Next?
- Negotiations Ongoing: Formula One’s owner, Liberty Media, has not yet made a final decision. ESPN, Apple, and other bidders remain in contention for the lucrative US rights.
- Official Announcements: Fans can expect more clarity as the 2025 season progresses and negotiations conclude.
Apple’s pursuit of Formula One streaming rights underscores its commitment to growing its sports portfolio and capitalizing on the momentum from its successful F1 movie. If the deal is finalized, US fans could soon watch every Grand Prix live on Apple TV+, signaling a new era for motorsports streaming.