Apple Nears F1 US Rights Deal, Announcement Expected at COTA

Apple is reportedly on the verge of confirming a deal for the U.S. media rights to Formula 1, with an official announcement anticipated at the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) later this month. This new agreement is valued at approximately $140 million per year, significantly more than ESPN's current payout.

Why it matters:

Apple's potential entry as the primary F1 broadcaster in the U.S. marks a pivotal shift in how American fans will access the sport. This move could bring a substantial financial boost to F1 and redefine the streaming landscape, especially given the existing F1 TV.

The Details:

• Financials: The proposed deal with Apple is rumored to be worth around $140 million per year, a considerable increase over ESPN's current contract.
• Current Broadcaster: ESPN's three-year renewal, signed in 2022, concludes at the end of this year. Reports suggest ESPN will not renew, paving the way for Apple.
• Brad Pitt's Influence: The success of the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, backed by Apple, is cited as a factor in the tech giant's strong bid.
• F1 TV Conflict: A key point of contention is how Apple's coverage will coexist with F1's own streaming service, F1 TV, which also targets the U.S. market and offers robust features.
  • Industry insiders note ongoing discussions about this overlap, but an announcement is still expected soon.
• Apple's Sports Portfolio: Securing F1 rights would bolster Apple's growing sports broadcasting presence, following successful 10-year partnerships with Major League Soccer ($2.5 billion) and Major League Baseball's Friday Night Baseball.
• F1's U.S. Growth: Thanks to Drive to Survive and Liberty Media's strategic push, F1 viewership in the U.S. averages 1.4 million per race across ESPN and ABC. With three U.S. races, this number is expected to climb further.

What's next:

If confirmed, the Apple deal is projected to commence in 2026, with races likely streaming on Apple TV+. The future of F1 TV in the U.S. market under this new arrangement remains a significant question mark. This partnership signals F1's continued growth and a major shift in its broadcast strategy for one of its most important markets.