Streaming Giant Wins Broadcasting Rights
After months of industry speculation, Apple has been confirmed as Formula One’s exclusive U.S. broadcast partner starting in 2026, according to reports from the 2025 U.S. Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Texas. The five-year deal marks a dramatic shift from F1’s traditional television partnerships toward streaming platforms.
Sources indicate the agreement comes after the global success of the F1 movie, which was co-produced by Apple Studios and has reportedly grossed nearly $630 million worldwide. The film’s performance played a key role in subsequent negotiations over the 2026 U.S. TV rights, where Apple’s significantly higher offer ultimately won out over incumbent broadcaster ESPN.
Financial Terms and Broadcast Details
According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity to The Athletic, ESPN’s offer was reportedly in the $90 million per year range, while Apple’s successful bid reached between $120 million and $150 million annually. This represents a substantial increase from previous broadcasting agreements, with NBC having paid only $4 million annually during its tenure from 2013 to 2017.
The comprehensive package will see Apple TV host all track sessions throughout the F1 season. Analysts suggest the technology company also plans to “amplify the sport across Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+,” according to an F1 statement. F1 TV Premium will continue to air in the U.S. but will only be available through Apple TV subscriptions at no additional cost to subscribers.
Strategic Shift in Broadcasting Philosophy
F1’s decision to move from traditional linear broadcasting to a streaming giant represents a major philosophy shift, according to industry analysis. Although the deal only covers U.S. broadcasting rights, the sport’s recent surge in popularity in America has been central to its global growth strategy in recent years.
F1 viewership has more than doubled in the U.S. during ESPN’s tenure, growing from an average of 554,000 viewers per race in 2018 to 1.2 million in 2022. The 2025 campaign is reportedly on course to set a new record at 1.4 million viewers per race. This growth trajectory aligns with broader market trends favoring streaming platforms over traditional broadcast models.
Integration Across Apple Ecosystem
The report states that integration into Apple’s wide range of products and services was a significant factor in F1’s decision to make the switch. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali told reporters that the sport’s aim with Apple was to become “part of the culture” in the U.S., believing this move can help it gain more popularity and compete with mainstream American sports.
This comprehensive approach to sports integration represents one of many related innovations in the technology and entertainment sectors. The partnership will test how F1 reaches its growing and shifting audience, having attracted more young and female fans over the past five years.
Industry Context and Future Implications
The move comes amid significant industry developments in sports media rights, with streaming services increasingly competing for premium live sports content. The deal is considered the most significant TV agreement since Liberty Media’s takeover as F1’s commercial rights holder in 2017.
While many details around production plans and on-air coverage crews remain unanswered, the sport’s leadership is reportedly confident that Apple will provide more opportunities for growth. This confidence in technological integration reflects similar recent technology partnerships across the sports and entertainment industries.
The announcement at the United States Grand Prix weekend sets the stage for a new era in F1 broadcasting, with just 142 days remaining until the start of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix weekend when the new broadcasting arrangement will take effect.
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