Apple TV+
Apple Reportedly Nearing Blockbuster Deal to Stream Formula 1 in the U.S.
Apple is reportedly closing in on a landmark broadcasting deal to air Formula 1 in the United States, marking the tech giant’s biggest move into live sports since its $2.5 billion agreement with Major League Soccer in 2022.
The Cupertino-based company is expected to take over from ESPN, which has held exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights since 2018. The announcement could come as early as next weekend during the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Apple’s $140 Million Play for F1 Dominance
Under the current ESPN deal, the network reportedly pays $90 million annually for the rights to broadcast Formula 1 races in the U.S. However, Apple’s offer is believed to be around $140 million per year, signalling the company’s intent to secure a dominant foothold in sports streaming.
This proposed deal would mark Apple’s most valuable sports broadcasting acquisition to date, further positioning Apple TV+ as a direct competitor to established players like ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC Sports.
Apple’s $200 Million Bid to Snatch Formula One From ESPN Could Change Sports Streaming Forever
But while the F1 streaming rights is close to completion, reports suggest that negotiations have stalled over F1’s in-house streaming platform, F1 TV. Apple is reportedly reluctant to allow the service to continue offering live broadcasts if it becomes the exclusive broadcaster. The company wants an arrangement similar to Sky Sports’ deal in the UK, where F1 TV only provides legacy and behind-the-scenes content.
For Formula 1, however, F1 TV has been a profitable venture in the U.S., with a dedicated fanbase that enjoys its alternative commentary, onboard footage, and interactive race controls. This disagreement remains one of the final sticking points before the deal is signed.
Apple Close to Taking on F1 Streaming Rights in the US
Apple and Formula 1: A Growing Relationship
Apple’s interest in Formula 1 extends beyond broadcasting. The company already has a working relationship with the sport through its film division — Apple Studios co-produced the hit 2024 film F1, starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem. The movie grossed over $600 million globally, giving the brand significant visibility within motorsport culture.
With its signature blend of storytelling, technology, and sleek production design, Apple’s entry into F1 streaming and broadcasting could redefine how fans experience the sport — from immersive camera angles to potential Apple Vision Pro integrations for virtual race experiences.
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The Future of F1 Broadcasting in America
If confirmed, Apple’s acquisition of Formula 1 rights would officially end ESPN’s seven-year run, which began after NBC Sports relinquished its agreement in 2018. ESPN initially paid no rights fee but began paying $5 million annually from 2020 to 2022.
As Formula 1’s U.S. popularity skyrockets — boosted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive and new races in Miami and Las Vegas — Apple’s potential involvement marks a new chapter for the sport’s digital future.
For fans, it’s a race not just on the track, but for the future of how Formula 1 is seen, streamed, and shared.
