F1 Likely to Choose Apple Over ESPN for U.S. TV Rights: Sources

Formula One is on the verge of selecting Apple for its U.S. broadcasting rights starting in 2026, with Apple’s bid falling in the range of $120-150 million per year. ESPN, which has held the rights since 2018, is facing tough competition as its current deal expires at the end of the year.

While ESPN’s offer still remains in the running, sources close to the negotiations have revealed that Apple’s bid outshines it, coming in at around $90 million per year. This potential shift to Apple would mark a departure from the traditional broadcasters who have historically held the U.S. rights, such as Fox and NBC in the past.

The recent release of ‘F1 The Movie,’ produced by Apple Original Films and Warner Bros., could have influenced the ongoing battle for broadcasting rights. F1 has seen a surge in popularity in the U.S. in recent years, thanks in part to the success of the Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive.”

Notably, the U.S. now hosts three races, including the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Miami Grand Prix, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The release of ‘F1 The Movie’ in theaters has been a hit, becoming Apple’s highest-grossing theatrical film with global box office sales nearing $300 million.

Apple is no stranger to sports broadcasting, having existing deals with Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball. Despite some challenges in audience growth, Apple’s potential entry into Formula One broadcasting could bring new opportunities for fans to engage with the sport in innovative ways.