Apple is reportedly making a significant play for the United States broadcasting rights of Formula 1, aiming to potentially replace ESPN once its current contract concludes at the end of the 2025 season. This strategic move aligns with the tech giant’s burgeoning interest in live sports content for its Apple TV+ streaming service. The timing is particularly opportune, given the recent box office triumph of Apple’s “F1: The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which has garnered over $300 million globally, showcasing a robust audience appetite for Formula 1-related entertainment.
The sport’s dramatic surge in popularity across the US market is a key driver behind Apple’s pursuit. Fuelled by the success of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” docuseries and the introduction of new American Grand Prix venues in Miami and Las Vegas, Formula 1 viewership in the United States has more than doubled since 2018. This growing fanbase represents a lucrative opportunity for streaming platforms looking to expand their reach and subscriber base, making the F1 rights a highly coveted asset.
For Apple, securing the Formula 1 broadcasting rights would mark another substantial step in bolstering its live sports offerings on Apple TV+. The company has already ventured into sports streaming with “Friday Night Baseball” and a comprehensive partnership with Major League Soccer. Adding Formula 1 to this lineup would significantly enhance Apple TV+’s appeal, attracting a broad spectrum of sports enthusiasts and further solidifying its position as a major player in the competitive streaming landscape.
ESPN’s exclusive negotiation period for the F1 rights has reportedly concluded without a new agreement, opening the bidding to other interested parties. While ESPN’s current deal is valued at approximately $85 million annually, industry analysts predict that the next contract could fetch upwards of $121 million per year, reflecting the sport’s escalating value. As the race for these coveted rights heats up, Apple is poised among several strong contenders, including Netflix, all vying for the opportunity to broadcast Formula 1 starting in the 2026 season.
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