Apple has officially secured the U.S. media rights to broadcast Formula 1 racing, marking a major shift in the sport’s American distribution landscape. The tech giant is set to take over from ESPN, starting with the 2026 season, after finalizing a deal reportedly valued at around $140 to $150 million per year[2][4][19].
The announcement is expected to be made during the United St...
The announcement is expected to be made during the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin in mid-October 2025, coinciding with the race weekend from October 17-19[2][13]. This deal represents a significant increase over ESPN’s current Formula 1 rights contract, which was valued at approximately $85 million annually and runs through the end of 2025[2][12][17].
Apple’s acquisition comes amid the rising popularity of Form...
Apple’s acquisition comes amid the rising popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S., fueled by the success of the Netflix documentary series *Drive to Survive* and the recent Apple-produced film *F1: The Movie*, starring Brad Pitt, which has grossed over $300 million globally[12][14][16]. The film’s success has likely bolstered Apple’s confidence in investing heavily in Formula 1 content.
A key issue in the negotiations has been the coexistence of...
A key issue in the negotiations has been the coexistence of Apple’s streaming service with Formula 1’s own subscription platform, *F1 TV*. The proprietary F1 TV service offers American fans live race coverage, onboard cameras, and advanced data features. Apple reportedly sought exclusive streaming rights and the potential shuttering of F1 TV in the U.S., but F1 TV remains profitable and highly regarded among hardcore fans. The final resolution on how these services will operate together was still unclear as of the announcement[2][13][19].
Under the new agreement, Apple will likely offer Formula 1 r...
Under the new agreement, Apple will likely offer Formula 1 racing as part of its Apple TV+ platform, joining its existing sports streaming portfolio that includes Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball packages[13][17]. This move positions Apple as a major player in live sports streaming, expanding beyond its traditional tech and entertainment offerings.
ESPN, which has held the U.S. broadcast rights since 2018 an...
ESPN, which has held the U.S. broadcast rights since 2018 and renewed its deal in 2022, will step away from Formula 1 coverage after the 2025 season[2][12]. Apple’s entry signals a new era for Formula 1 fans in the United States, promising enhanced streaming experiences backed by a tech giant with deep resources and expertise in digital content delivery.
In summary, Apple’s acquisition of U.S. Formula 1 media righ...
In summary, Apple’s acquisition of U.S. Formula 1 media rights is a landmark deal worth approximately $150 million annually, set to commence in 2026, reflecting the sport’s growing American audience and Apple’s strategic push into live sports streaming[2][4][13][19]. The official confirmation is anticipated during the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin.
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 2:20:07 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 in a reported five-year deal worth approximately $160 million per year, replacing ESPN beginning in 2026[7][9]. There is no public indication of regulatory or government intervention in this deal; however, ESPN has issued a statement expressing pride in its prior partnership and wishing F1 well, highlighting a smooth transition without overt disputes[9]. The deal reflects growing government and market acceptance of large tech firms acquiring major sports rights, as Apple moves from traditional cable to a tech-driven streaming model, signaling a shift in U.S. sports broadcasting norms[13].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 2:30:12 PM
In a significant development, Apple has secured the exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula 1, signing a five-year deal valued at approximately $750 million. This agreement, effective from the 2026 season, will see Apple TV become the sole streaming platform for all F1 races, practice sessions, and qualifying events, surpassing ESPN's current annual payment of $85 million with a bid reportedly between $140-$150 million annually[1][3][5]. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed excitement about the partnership, stating it will "maximize our growth potential in the U.S." through innovative content distribution[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 2:40:21 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. Formula 1 broadcast rights in a five-year deal reportedly worth around $160 million per year, significantly outbidding ESPN’s previous $85 million annual agreement[7][9][11]. Experts highlight this as a strategic shift from traditional TV to streaming, with Eddy Cue of Apple calling F1’s U.S. growth potential "exponential" and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasizing Apple's role in embedding the sport into American culture like football[11]. Industry commentators note parallels to Apple’s MLS investment, cautioning that while Apple’s technological enhancements could elevate F1 coverage, there is a risk of reduced casual viewership compared to ESPN’s broader reach[12].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 2:50:25 PM
## Breaking: Apple Lands U.S. Formula 1 Rights in $150M Deal
Apple today officially announced a five-year, exclusive U.S. media rights deal with Formula 1, set to begin in 2026, in a move that ends ESPN’s long-standing American broadcast partnership[3]. According to industry sources, Apple’s winning bid—valued at least $150 million per year—dwarfs ESPN’s current $75–$90 million annual contract and effectively outmuscled potential rivals, including Netflix[1][5].
## Market Reaction & Stock Price Details
Immediate market reaction was muted, with Apple shares trading just 0.04% lower in premarket activity following early reports of the deal
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:00:19 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. Formula 1 broadcasting rights with a five-year deal reportedly worth around $140 million per year, significantly surpassing ESPN's previous $85 million annual fee[5][12]. This strategic acquisition aims to leverage Apple's advanced streaming technology and broad consumer ecosystem to expand F1's U.S. audience, potentially enhancing the viewing experience through integrated services on Apple TV+ and sophisticated content delivery[5][15]. However, the deal raises technical challenges regarding coexistence with F1's own streaming platform, F1 TV, and represents a shift from traditional cable exposure to a more controlled, subscription-based model that may affect casual viewer accessibility[12].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:10:23 PM
The U.S. government or regulatory bodies have not issued any public response regarding Apple’s newly secured exclusive Formula 1 media rights deal, reportedly valued at around $140 million annually for five years starting in 2026[3][6]. No concrete details or quotes from regulators have emerged, indicating the transaction proceeded without notable governmental intervention or controversy. The focus remains on the commercial and media impact rather than regulatory scrutiny.
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:20:31 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1 in a five-year deal worth roughly $140 million per year, beginning in 2026, more than double the previous ESPN agreement and pushing F1 into a streaming-first future for American fans[5]. “What excites us most about this deal is it helps us address more people consuming content in more ways,” said F1’s Ian Holmes, emphasizing Apple’s technical reach across devices and marketing power, while industry analysts note unresolved questions about how Apple’s coverage will coexist with F1’s existing F1 TV streaming service in the U.S. market[5][7].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:30:41 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. Formula 1 broadcasting rights through a five-year deal valued at approximately $140 million annually, starting in 2026, nearly doubling ESPN's previous $85 million per year contract[7][13]. This strategic move not only expands Apple TV+ sports content but also leverages Apple's technology to potentially enhance F1 viewing with advanced streaming features beyond traditional broadcasts[15][7]. However, challenges remain in integrating this deal with F1's existing streaming service, F1 TV, raising questions about user experience and market fragmentation[13].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:40:39 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for Formula 1 starting in 2026 under a five-year deal reportedly valued around $140-160 million annually, signaling a major shift in the global sports media landscape[3][7][14]. The partnership, following the global success of Apple Original Films' *F1 The Movie* which grossed nearly $630 million worldwide, is expected to broaden F1's audience through Apple’s extensive ecosystem, including Apple TV, Apple News, and Apple Music, thus amplifying international fan engagement and further cementing F1’s expansion into the lucrative U.S. market[1][5]. Industry experts see this as a pivotal move reflecting the trend toward tech-driven, global sports content distribution, with Apple
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 3:50:46 PM
Apple secures Formula 1’s exclusive U.S. broadcast rights in a five-year deal valued at approximately $750 million, with the tech giant paying $140–$150 million annually—a nearly 65% premium over ESPN’s current $85–$90 million yearly outlay[1][3]. Industry analysts note this move could accelerate F1’s shift toward streaming, with some experts warning that the sport risks losing mainstream TV exposure and sponsor visibility, as one analyst commented, “The argument for ESPN was that discoverability and editorial media coverage made up for lower rights fees; now, Apple’s ecosystem reach will be the real test”[6]. Apple’s deal includes all F1 sessions for subscribers, select free races
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 4:00:40 PM
Apple has secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1 in a landmark five-year deal starting in 2026, with Apple TV becoming the sole platform for all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and races. The contract, valued around $750 million total or roughly $140-$150 million annually, nearly doubles ESPN’s current $85-$90 million yearly rights fee, reflecting Apple's aggressive investment to leverage its integrated ecosystem, including live updates on the Apple Sports app and complementary content across Apple News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+ [1][3][10][7]. This transition also folds F1 TV Premium into the standard Apple TV subscription at $12.99/month, marking a significant technological shift in how U.S. fan
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 4:10:38 PM
Apple and Formula 1 have announced a five-year, $140 million per year deal granting Apple TV+ exclusive U.S. broadcast rights starting in 2026, a significant jump from ESPN’s current $85 million annual arrangement—with the tech giant reportedly outbidding the incumbent by nearly $55 million annually to secure the package[11][8][13]. “What excites us most about this deal is it helps us address more people consuming content in more ways,” F1’s Ian Holmes said, highlighting Apple’s ability to leverage its ecosystem to broaden F1’s U.S. reach[11]. However, technical friction remains between Apple’s upcoming service and F1’s own F1 TV platform, raising questions
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 4:21:06 PM
Apple has secured the U.S. Formula 1 media rights in a landmark five-year deal reportedly worth around $140 million annually, starting in 2026, marking a major shift from ESPN and underscoring F1's rapid growth in the U.S. market[9][8][15]. Globally, this move signals Apple's ambition to expand its sports streaming footprint, with potential future bids for worldwide F1 rights valued at up to $2 billion annually, raising questions about how Apple’s platform will coexist with F1 TV and existing international broadcasters[13]. F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali acknowledged ESPN’s early investment in the sport, while Apple’s Eddy Cue emphasized leveraging Apple’s global reach to attract a broade
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 4:30:57 PM
The U.S. government or regulatory bodies have not issued any public response or comment regarding Apple's exclusive five-year Formula 1 media rights deal announced on October 17, 2025. The deal, valued at approximately $140 million annually, was finalized between Apple and Formula 1's commercial owners, Liberty Media, with no reported regulatory intervention or approval process disclosed so far[1][3]. Apple’s senior vice president Eddy Cue and F1 officials have highlighted the deal's strategic importance, but there is no available information on any government regulatory review or opposition related to this agreement[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/17/2025, 4:41:03 PM
In a significant development, Apple has reportedly secured a five-year, $750 million deal for the exclusive U.S. rights to broadcast Formula 1 starting from 2026, marking a major expansion into sports media[9]. This move follows Apple's offer of around $180 million annually, which was notably higher than the previous bids[2]. The acquisition underscores Apple's growing interest in major sports packages, positioning it alongside other significant sports deals like Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball[6].