Apple is poised to acquire the streaming rights to Formula 1 in the United States with a US$150 million bid, surpassing current broadcaster ESPN and other competitors. If finalised, this deal would see Apple TV+ become the new home of Formula 1 races in the U.S., marking a significant expansion of Apple’s sports broadcasting portfolio.
Apple outbids ESPN in race for Formula 1
You may soon find yourself watching Formula 1 on Apple TV+, as the tech giant edges closer to sealing a new broadcasting deal. Business Insider reports that Apple’s US$150 million bid is expected to win the U.S. streaming rights, outmatching Disney-owned ESPN, which currently pays about US$85 million annually for those rights.
According to people familiar with the matter, Disney has shown no intention of matching Apple’s offer. With limited interest from other companies, such as Netflix, which reportedly made less aggressive bids, Apple stands out as the clear frontrunner.
This isn’t just about sports. It’s part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand Apple TV+ into a leading streaming service. Adding Formula 1 to its lineup, which already includes Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, could significantly boost its appeal to sports fans.
Boost from Hollywood success
Apple’s timing couldn’t be better. The bid comes on the heels of the success of F1: The Movie, an Apple original film starring Brad Pitt. The movie has already earned more than US$300 million at the global box office, making it Apple’s first major theatrical hit. It’s expected to stream on Apple TV+ in late 2025, providing a one-two punch of Formula 1 content that could attract new subscribers.
With F1: The Movie bringing attention to the sport and introducing new fans to its high-octane drama, the transition from theatres to streaming makes perfect sense. The momentum behind the film is expected to spill over into the live races once Apple secures the rights.
A calculated play for sports dominance
This isn’t Apple’s first move into live sports, but it might be its most significant yet. By locking in Formula 1, a globally popular sport with a fast-growing U.S. audience, Apple is signalling its serious intent to compete in sports broadcasting.
If you’re an Apple TV+ subscriber, this means access to one of the world’s most elite sports series without needing to switch platforms. For Formula 1, the partnership provides a fresh digital platform with the potential to reach new, tech-savvy audiences.
The deal is not yet officially confirmed, but all signs indicate that Apple is racing ahead of the competition. As the current broadcasting contract with ESPN nears its end, all eyes are on Apple to finalise the agreement and begin a new chapter in Formula 1’s U.S. coverage.
