Apple Seals $700M Deal for Exclusive U.S. Formula 1 Broadcast Rights

Apple Clinches Exclusive U.S. Formula 1 Rights in Five-Year Deal

Apple has secured the exclusive U.S. media rights for Formula 1 under a five-year agreement, marking a major expansion of its sports streaming strategy. The deal positions Apple as a new powerhouse in live sports broadcasting, further diversifying its Apple TV+ portfolio.

According to sources cited by CNBC, the agreement is valued at approximately $140 million per year, totaling around $700 million over the contract period. This represents a significant increase from the $90 million annually paid by Disney-owned ESPN, which has held the U.S. broadcasting rights since 2018.

The move comes as Formula 1 experiences a surge in global popularity, particularly among younger audiences. Nielsen Sports reported that the sport gained nearly 90 million new fans in the past year, with China showing the largest growth following the championship’s post-pandemic return to Shanghai.

Apple’s partnership with Formula 1 follows the success of its upcoming film “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which has generated substantial buzz ahead of its release. The acquisition aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to integrate live sports into its streaming offerings, joining existing deals for Major League Soccer and exclusive sports documentaries.

Industry analysts suggest that Apple’s latest move will intensify competition in the sports broadcasting market, putting pressure on traditional networks and other streaming platforms to secure similar deals. The integration of Formula 1 into Apple TV+ is expected to bring an enhanced digital experience, featuring interactive race coverage and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

This landmark deal underscores Apple’s commitment to transforming sports viewing by combining technology, storytelling, and exclusive rights—offering fans a premium, data-driven experience that could redefine how motorsports are consumed in the digital era.