Apple Expected to Announce US formula 1 Rights Deal During United States Grand Prix
Austin, Texas – Apple is poised to confirm a significant agreement for exclusive United States broadcast rights to Formula 1 during this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, according to sources. The deal, anticipated to begin with the 2026 season, would see races streamed on Apple TV+, further expanding the tech giant’s foray into live sports broadcasting.
This potential partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for F1 in the American market. Fueled by the popular Drive to Survive docuseries and strategic investment by Liberty Media, viewership has surged, averaging 1.4 million per race across ESPN and ABC. With three US-based races now on the calendar – Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas - and growing fan engagement, securing a long-term broadcast partner like Apple is crucial for sustaining this momentum. The agreement is expected to mirror the scale of Apple’s existing $2.5 billion, 10-year deal with Major League Soccer and its Friday Night Baseball package, solidifying Apple’s position within the American sports landscape.
The move would represent a major win for Apple, building on its success in live sports streaming. F1’s increasing popularity, especially within the US, makes it an attractive property. The future of F1 TV, the series’ existing streaming service, remains unclear pending the official proclamation.
Details of the financial terms have not been disclosed, but industry analysts predict a substantial investment from Apple, reflecting the growing value of F1’s broadcast rights.An official announcement is expected before the conclusion of the United States Grand Prix weekend.
