What's happened
Apple has won the US broadcast rights to Formula One in a five-year, $750 million deal, moving coverage from ESPN to Apple TV. The deal begins in 2026, with Apple expanding F1 coverage across its platforms and offering free practice sessions, signaling a major shift in sports streaming.
What's behind the headline?
The shift of F1 broadcast rights from ESPN to Apple TV marks a significant transformation in sports media. Apple’s investment of $750 million over five years underscores its ambition to leverage F1’s growing US fanbase, which increased by nearly 90 million last year. Unlike traditional broadcasters, Apple plans to integrate F1 across its ecosystem—Apple News, Maps, Music, and Fitness+—creating a seamless, multi-channel experience. This move signals a broader industry trend where tech giants are competing for live sports rights, aiming to attract loyal viewers and boost their streaming platforms.
Apple’s strategy will likely reshape how sports are consumed in the US, emphasizing direct-to-consumer streaming and integrated content. The availability of free practice sessions and select races in the Apple TV app could lower barriers for new fans, further expanding F1’s reach. However, this transition also raises questions about the future of traditional sports broadcasters and the sustainability of high-cost rights deals. Overall, Apple’s entry is poised to accelerate F1’s growth in the US, potentially making it a dominant player in sports streaming and influencing industry standards.
What the papers say
The articles from Ars Technica and The Guardian both highlight Apple’s strategic move into F1 broadcasting, emphasizing the financial scale of the deal and its implications for the sport’s US expansion. Ars Technica notes Apple’s plans to amplify F1 through its ecosystem, while The Guardian underscores the deal’s significance in the context of F1’s rising US popularity and Apple’s broader sports ambitions. Both sources agree that this deal marks a pivotal shift, with Apple investing heavily to position itself as a major player in live sports streaming. The AP News article provides context on ESPN’s previous rights and the broader industry trend of tech companies entering sports broadcasting, reinforcing the significance of Apple’s move.
How we got here
ESPN had broadcast F1 in the US since 2018, capitalizing on the sport's rising popularity, especially post-COVID. Apple’s involvement grew after its success with the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which grossed nearly $630 million globally. The new deal reflects F1’s expanding US audience and Apple’s strategic push into live sports streaming.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and owned by the Formula One Group.
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Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
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Stefano Domenicali is an Italian manager and the current CEO of Formula One Group, replacing Chase Carey. He is the former CEO of Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini from 2016 to 2020.
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ESPN is an American multinational basic cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., owned jointly by The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. The company was founded in 1979 by Bill Rasmussen along with his son Scott Rasmussen and Ed Egan.
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