Apple Nears Blockbuster F1 US Rights Deal, Austin Reveal Expected

Apple is reportedly on the verge of securing Formula 1's U.S. media rights from 2026, ending ESPN's current tenure. This move, potentially worth $140 million annually, is expected to be announced at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, marking a significant shift in sports broadcasting and solidifying Apple's growing presence in live sports streaming.

Why it matters:

This deal could fundamentally reshape how F1 is consumed in the critical U.S. market, signaling a new era of digital-first sports broadcasting. For F1, it means a substantial increase in revenue, further fueling its global expansion. For Apple, it adds a high-growth, internationally recognized sport to its burgeoning live sports portfolio, strengthening its position against traditional broadcasters and rival streamers.

The details:

• The Agreement: According to Puck, Apple is expected to confirm a deal for F1's U.S. media rights starting in 2026.
• Financials: The agreement is rumored to be valued at approximately $140 million per year, a significant increase from ESPN's current payment.
• Announcement Timeline: The official announcement is anticipated during the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas in Austin.
• Impact on ESPN: If confirmed, the deal would conclude ESPN's current three-year contract at the end of the 2025 season, shifting F1's American home to Apple.
• Brad Pitt's Involvement: The report notes Apple's connection to the sport through F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, released earlier this year.

Between the lines:

One of the main points of contention revolves around how Apple's new deal will integrate with F1's existing subscription platform, F1 TV. F1 TV already offers comprehensive live coverage, including onboard cameras and extensive data, which could potentially overlap or compete with Apple's offerings. The specifics of how these two services will coexist remain unclear, but negotiations appear to be advanced enough for an imminent announcement.

The big picture:

This potential acquisition is part of Apple's broader strategy to expand its footprint in live sports. The company already holds a 10-year, $2.5 billion partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) via Apple TV+ and broadcasts Major League Baseball's Friday Night Baseball. Adding F1 would solidify Apple's status as a major player in global sports media, leveraging the sport's soaring popularity in the U.S., driven by Netflix's Drive to Survive and the addition of three U.S. Grands Prix (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas). F1 currently averages 1.4 million viewers per race across ESPN and ABC.

What's next:

The coming days in Austin could bring more than just a race weekend; they could usher in a new era for Formula 1 broadcasting in the United States. Should the deal be sealed, it will mark a significant evolution in how the sport is delivered, packaged, and experienced by its American audience, with a strong emphasis on digital streaming and integration into Apple's ecosystem.