![The deal follows the box office success of the Apple-produced F1 film, which has grossed more than $628 million worldwide, according to IMDb’s Box Office Mojo [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS](https://newspage360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-10-17T181608Z_887526729_UP1ELAH1EQU0F_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-USA-1068x601.jpg "The deal follows the box office success of the Apple-produced F1 film, which has grossed more than $628 million worldwide, according to IMDb’s Box Office Mojo [File] | Photo Credit: REUTERS")
Apple Secures Exclusive U.S. Formula 1 Rights in Major Streaming Deal
Apple has clinched exclusive U.S. media rights for Formula 1 races under a five-year agreement, marking a significant expansion of its sports streaming portfolio. The deal positions Apple TV+ to capitalize on one of America’s fastest-growing sports properties.
Key Deal Details
- Five-year exclusive U.S. broadcast rights beginning next year
- Reported value of $140 million annually – 56% higher than ESPN’s previous contract
- Includes all practice sessions, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix
- Select races and practice sessions available for free on Apple TV app
While financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, CNBC reported the deal at $140 million per year, substantially above the $90 million ESPN paid annually since 2018. This represents Apple’s continued aggressive push into live sports following its acquisitions of Major League Soccer and “Friday Night Baseball” rights.
Strategic Move in Streaming Wars
The acquisition addresses a key challenge for Apple TV+ – despite winning 22 Emmy Awards this year and critical acclaim, the service lacks the scale of competitors like Netflix and Disney+. Live sports have become essential for streaming platforms to attract loyal fans, reduce subscriber churn, and boost advertising revenue.
“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.
F1’s Growing Popularity
The deal follows the massive success of Apple’s F1 film starring Brad Pitt, which grossed over $628 million worldwide and will stream globally on Apple TV+ starting December 12. Formula 1’s popularity surge continues, with Nielsen Sports data showing nearly 90 million new fans added last year, led by significant growth in China following the sport’s post-COVID return to Shanghai.
