Apple is reportedly closing in on a landmark agreement to acquire exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1, in a move that could reshape the sport’s media presence in America. According to Business Insider, Apple has submitted a bid worth at least $150 million annually, with plans to begin streaming races from the 2026 season onward.
The rights are currently held by ESPN, which pays around $85 million per year. However, the Disney-owned network is not expected to match Apple’s offer, choosing instead to allocate its resources elsewhere amid skyrocketing sports media costs.
This bid marks Apple’s most aggressive push yet into live sports, following its partnerships with Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball. It also follows the success of Apple’s original Formula 1-themed film, suggesting the tech giant sees long-term potential in the sport’s expanding U.S. footprint.
Formula 1 has seen a significant rise in popularity stateside over the past few years. Much of this growth is attributed to the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, which debuted in 2019 and drew in younger, previously untapped audiences. Since then, U.S. viewership of F1 races has more than doubled. ESPN reports current races average around 1.3 million viewers per event.
If finalized, Apple’s deal could signal a broader shift in how American fans consume F1 content, potentially prioritizing digital platforms over traditional cable. The move would further solidify Apple’s role as a major player in sports streaming and deepen its investment in high-profile global content.
