Key Takeaways
- Apple secures exclusive 5-year US broadcast rights for Formula 1 starting next year
- Deal valued at $140 million annually, significantly higher than ESPN’s previous contract
- All practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix to stream on Apple TV
- Select races and all practice sessions available for free within the Apple TV app
Apple has secured a major victory in the streaming wars by landing exclusive US broadcast rights for Formula 1 in a five-year deal. The agreement, announced Friday, will begin next year and is valued at $140 million annually according to CNBC reports.
This represents a significant increase from the $90 million per season that ESPN was paying since 2018. The move strengthens Apple TV’s sports portfolio as streaming platforms increasingly compete for live sports rights to attract dedicated fans and reduce customer churn.
Complete F1 Coverage Coming to Apple TV
Under the new agreement, Apple TV will host comprehensive F1 coverage including all practice sessions, qualifying rounds, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix races. Select races and all practice sessions throughout the season will be available to watch for free within the Apple TV app.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula 1 and offer Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. front row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services.
Building on F1 Film Success
The broadcast rights acquisition follows the massive success of Apple’s F1 film, which grossed over $628 million worldwide. The film is scheduled to make its global streaming debut on Apple TV on December 12.
F1 joins Apple’s expanding live sports lineup that already includes Major League Soccer and “Friday Night Baseball.” The sport itself has seen tremendous growth, adding nearly 90 million new fans last year, with China showing the biggest percentage rise in viewership.
Apple’s Sports Broadcasting Strategy
Eddy Cue had previously indicated that Apple would only pursue sports broadcasting rights if the company could offer something “unique and special” compared to existing broadcasts. When discussing the F1 deal, Cue didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, stating simply: “We do love F1.”
The move positions Apple alongside other tech giants in the sports streaming arena, where and have already established significant sports broadcasting presence.
