Apple Poaches Formula One Racing From Disney

Apple has secured a five-year deal for the U.S. broadcast rights to Formula One races, expanding its live sports offerings on Apple TV. 

Starting in 2026, races will be streamed on the platform, with F1 TV Premium, Formula One’s own streaming service, also available to U.S. subscribers via Apple TV.

Financial details were not disclosed, though The Wall Street Journal reported Apple’s bid could reach $150 million annually. 

Brad Pitt

“We share a vision to bring this incredible sport to U.S. fans and attract new audiences through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them engaged,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The announcement came ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

Apple’s investment in Formula One follows its 2025 Brad Pitt film F1, which grossed nearly $630 million worldwide. The company previously signed a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Major League Soccer in 2022 and holds rights to select Major League Baseball games. 

Unlike traditional sports rights deals, Apple prefers full control over a sport’s broadcast. “We’d like to own a sport, end to end,” said Eddie Cue, Apple’s senior VP of services, on The Town podcast, emphasizing a seamless viewing experience without blackouts or fragmented rights.

The current F1 broadcasting agreement with ESPN, valued at approximately $90 million per year, concludes after the 2025 season. ESPN encouraged F1 to explore other partners when its exclusive negotiation period ended in 2024.