In a landmark move that could reshape the future of sports broadcasting, Apple is reportedly closing in on a deal to acquire the U.S. media rights to Formula 1 starting in 2026, ending ESPN’s tenure as the sport’s American home.
According to multiple industry sources, the agreement is expected to be worth between $150 million and $180 million per year, nearly doubling what ESPN currently pays—believed to be in the range of $80–90 million annually. The deal could be officially announced as soon as this week’s United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
If finalized, the partnership would mark Apple’s most aggressive move yet into live global sports, joining its $2.5 billion, 10-year partnership with Major League Soccer and its existing Friday Night Baseball coverage. Adding Formula 1 would expand Apple’s live sports portfolio into a truly international property, aligning its technology ecosystem with one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Strategic Shift in Motorsport Broadcasting
For F1, the deal represents more than just a rights handover—it’s a pivot toward a tech-driven broadcast era. Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang recently outlined the company’s ambitions at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Technology Conference, saying:
“It is someone who can help your fans access your content beyond the race… It’s all of that.”
That philosophy dovetails with Apple’s multi-platform approach, integrating streaming, hardware, data analytics, and user engagement under one ecosystem.
Industry insiders have confirmed that negotiations are “pretty far along”, with one Liberty source stating, “We are pretty far along, and we’re pretty happy and comfortable with the progress.”
The rumored announcement in Austin would strategically coincide with one of F1’s largest U.S. events, positioning Apple to seize headlines and signal a major transformation in how motorsport reaches fans.
Unresolved Issues with F1 TV
However, one lingering issue could complicate the rollout: how Apple’s deal would coexist with F1 TV, the sport’s own subscription streaming service. The platform already offers fans live coverage, onboard camera views, team radio, and rich telemetry data—features that could overlap with Apple’s broadcast.
Analysts note that Apple’s exclusive approach to MLS and MLB content suggests a similar model could be adopted here. If that’s the case, Apple may need to either integrate F1 TV into its Apple TV+ service or negotiate a content carve-out to prevent cannibalizing the sport’s existing fanbase.
A Newsweek report described “persnickety deal points” still being ironed out, including international carve-outs and rights overlaps. Liberty and Apple are reportedly working through the legal and logistical framework to ensure both platforms can coexist without undercutting each other.
A Financial and Cultural Power Play
For Apple, this deal reinforces its emergence as a serious player in sports media. By leveraging its vast subscriber base, Apple TV+ could give F1 unprecedented global visibility and a high-tech viewing experience—potentially integrating multi-angle feeds, real-time analytics, and interactive features across its devices.
It also aligns with the company’s cinematic ambitions. Earlier this year, Apple Studios produced F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt—a film that reportedly boosted mainstream interest in the sport among new demographics. Insiders see the movie as a precursor to Apple’s larger motorsport strategy.
While Apple’s deep pockets are hard to ignore, the shift away from ESPN could pose challenges. ESPN’s coverage, amplified through ABC and ESPN2, reaches millions of households through traditional TV and streaming bundles—a level of accessibility that Apple may struggle to replicate if the rights move behind a paywall. Analysts at Front Office Sports have pointed out that the choice for Liberty Media may ultimately come down to “reach versus revenue.” ESPN offers unmatched mass exposure, while Apple offers premium exclusivity, data integration, and long-term financial security.
If Apple’s acquisition is confirmed, it would not only reshape F1’s U.S. presence but could also set a new template for how global sports negotiate digital rights. As streaming giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Apple expand into live sports, traditional broadcasters face mounting pressure to adapt or risk being sidelined.
For now, both Apple and F1 remain tight-lipped. But with ESPN’s deal expiring at the end of 2025, the stage is set for a monumental shift. Whether the new partnership enhances access or fractures the viewing landscape, one thing is certain—Formula 1’s next race isn’t on the track; it’s for control of the screen.