Reports suggest that Formula One’s U.S. media rights are likely to move from ESPN to Apple TV+ once the current season concludes. According to recent information, Apple has offered $150 million annually to secure the rights, significantly surpassing ESPN’s estimated $85 to $90 million yearly payment. This strong offer places Apple as the clear frontrunner to broadcast Formula One starting next year, potentially reshaping how American fans access race content.
F1 TV Streaming Service Expected to Continue for U.S. Viewers
Despite Apple’s potential acquisition, Formula One Management aims to maintain its F1 TV streaming service in the United States alongside the new media rights arrangement. Since its 2018 launch, F1 TV has provided fans a direct-to-consumer way to watch live races without subscribing to traditional pay television. The service currently charges $84.99 annually for its standard package and has gained popularity among U.S. viewers seeking an alternative to conventional broadcasters.
Competition Between Apple and F1 TV Could Benefit Fans
With Apple likely securing exclusive broadcasting rights, there is growing curiosity about whether F1 TV will still be accessible in the U.S. market. Should both platforms operate simultaneously, Apple and the league-owned F1 TV would be in direct competition to attract subscribers. This arrangement is unusual given Apple’s existing exclusive partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS), where it controls live broadcasts without allowing competing streaming services to carry the games.
Exclusive Sports Deals and Industry Implications
Apple’s strategy generally emphasizes exclusive rights, as seen in its MLS agreement, which reserves live matches solely for Apple’s platforms with limited linear television simulcasts on Fox Sports. Given this precedent, some industry insiders question why Apple would permit F1 broadcasts on a competing service like F1 TV. The continuation of F1 TV’s availability in the U.S.—if confirmed—would present a departure from Apple’s typical exclusivity approach and offer fans greater flexibility to watch races.
Broadcast Plans Moving Forward
According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, if Apple finalizes the Formula One deal, it is unlikely that either company will pursue simulcasting on traditional television networks. Unlike the MLS partnership, which includes occasional matches on Fox Sports, Formula One races will probably remain confined to streaming platforms. This shift could mark a further transition toward digital-first viewing experiences for sports fans in the United States.
What This Means for Formula One Fans
For American Formula One enthusiasts, the prospect of dual streaming choices—Apple TV+ and F1 TV—means expanded options for following races. Fans who prefer the traditional F1 TV service will likely have uninterrupted access, while subscribers to Apple TV+ might benefit from the platform’s broader content and potentially higher investment in production and technology. This development underscores evolving trends in sports media rights, where multiple streaming services can coexist, offering consumers more choices in how they engage with live sporting events.