TLDR
- Apple wins $700M F1 rights, shifting U.S. sports streaming landscape.
- Formula 1 to stream exclusively on Apple TV from 2026 onward.
- ESPN loses F1 rights as Apple drives deeper into sports streaming.
- Apple TV to offer full F1 coverage under its standard $12.99 plan.
- Apple’s F1 deal cements its role as a major live sports broadcaster.
Apple Inc. stock climbed 2.32%, or $5.73, to close at $253.18 after confirming a major Formula 1 streaming deal.
Apple Inc., AAPL
The company secured exclusive U.S. media rights for Formula 1 from 2026 through a five-year, $700 million agreement. The news signaled Apple’s deeper push into global sports content and expanded its media reach beyond entertainment.
Apple Secures Formula 1 Media Rights Deal from 2026
Apple signed a five-year contract with Formula 1 to stream all races and events through its Apple TV platform. The agreement begins in 2026 and includes practice sessions, qualifying, sprints, and full Grand Prix coverage. Apple TV will offer access to subscribers under its $12.99 monthly ad-free plan.
Unlike the MLS Season Pass, Formula 1 content won’t cost extra for Apple TV users. Apple will also make select races and all practice sessions available for free within the Apple TV app. The deal gives Apple full control over content delivery, aligning with its strategy to own the user experience.
The company will pay approximately $140 million per year, outbidding ESPN’s $85 million annual spend. ESPN will exit after the 2025 season, concluding a long-standing partnership with Formula 1 in the U.S. F1 TV Premium will now be integrated into Apple TV, marking the end of its standalone availability in the country.
Apple Strengthens Sports Strategy with Exclusive Control
Apple has expanded its sports strategy by targeting exclusive rights deals that enhance its platform ecosystem. The company previously partnered with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball in similar efforts. Its Formula 1 deal marks its most ambitious move in live sports yet.
The firm aims to unify content and technology by offering race access across its services, including Apple News, Music, and Podcasts. It also plans unique integrations across Apple Stores and its sports app to engage wider audiences. These cross-platform offerings could position Apple to attract a younger sports fanbase.
Apple shifts from supporting roles to leading the broadcast of elite sports content. The deal follows Apple’s success with “F1: The Movie,” which grossed nearly $630 million at the box office. That performance proved Apple’s ability to build momentum in the motorsport entertainment space.
Formula 1 Gains Tech-Driven Exposure in the U.S. Market
Formula 1 aims to expand its U.S. presence by leveraging Apple’s reach and marketing infrastructure. The league expects the partnership to build deeper cultural relevance and expand household recognition across America. F1 already increased its footprint by adding Miami and Las Vegas to its racing calendar.
With Apple’s push, Formula 1 content could reach millions through seamless integration into the company’s ecosystem. The sport’s popularity in the U.S. has already grown, with 2023 viewership averaging 1.4 million per race on ESPN. Apple’s entry could help push those numbers even higher over the next five years.
The collaboration underscores Formula 1’s strategy to work with media partners that prioritize innovation and reach. With both parties aligned on growth and technology, the partnership could reshape how U.S. fans experience motorsport. The deal comes at a time when tech giants continue to reshape the live sports media landscape.
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