In a move that could dramatically reshape the media landscape for one of the world’s most prestigious sports, Apple Inc. is finalizing a deal to acquire the United States broadcasting rights for Formula 1. This seismic shift would alter how American fans watch races and signal Apple’s aggressive push into live sports, potentially putting every major league on notice.
What Does Apple’s Potential $140 Million Deal Mean for F1 Broadcasting?
According to multiple reports, the blockbuster agreement is valued at a staggering $140 million per season. It could be announced as soon as next weekend at the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. The potential partnership between Apple and Formula 1 would see the technology behemoth take over from ESPN, which has held the rights since 2018. While ESPN initially paid no fee for the rights, its most recent contract was valued at approximately $90 million annually. Apple’s reported offer marks a massive 55 percent increase over that figure.
The deal, reportedly in negotiation since the summer, represents Apple’s most significant sports rights acquisition since its landmark $2.5 billion, 10-year pact with Major League Soccer in 2022.
“BREAKING: Apple & Formula 1 are finally nearing a deal for the streaming rights in the United States. The deal is estimated to be worth about $140 million/year. Believe deal will be announced during Austin GP,” revealed North Pole, a source that covers F1 news and rumors.
Some fans expressed concern. “F1TV is ending in The US and being replaced by Apple TV it’s actually so fucking over,” posted a GDPA expert, adding an image that provides more information regarding the blockbuster deal.
An existing relationship between Apple and Formula 1, strengthened through Apple Studios’ involvement in the hit F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, has likely provided fertile ground for these advanced talks. However, the path to a final handshake has been without obstacles.
Why Is F1 TV a Major Hurdle in the Negotiations?
Sources indicate that the status of Formula 1’s proprietary streaming service, F1 TV, has been a significant hurdle in the negotiations. The service is profitable for F1 in the critical U.S. market and offers an alternate presentation and live broadcasts that compete directly with the primary rights holder.
Naturally, Apple, writing a check of this magnitude, is reluctant to allow a competing live broadcast platform to continue operating. The tech giant has pushed F1 TV’s live race coverage to be shut down stateside, hoping to mirror Sky’s exclusive model in the United Kingdom, where F1 TV is restricted to archival content.
This disagreement created a stalemate, with Formula 1 resistant to killing a profitable direct-to-consumer service. It remains unclear where the two parties have ultimately landed on this critical point of exclusivity.
For Apple, securing a global sport like Formula 1 would instantly elevate its standing in the intensely competitive live sports streaming arena. While the company already has a foothold with MLS and MLB’s “Friday Night Baseball,” landing the high-octane, globally-focused circus of F1 is a different caliber of acquisition altogether.
Ultimately, the deal would unite a brand synonymous with premium design and a worldwide audience with a sport experiencing unprecedented growth in the crucial American market. That market now hosts three Grands Prix in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, making it more valuable than ever.