Apple Wins Broadcasting Rights for Formula 1 in the United States for Five Years at an Estimated Value of $140–150 Million Annually

In a strategic move to enhance its presence in the sports broadcasting market, Apple has acquired the broadcasting rights for the Formula 1 World Championship in the United States under a five-year contract.

The agreement, which starts from the next season, will make Formula 1 races available through the Apple TV+ service, including free practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races, and grand prix races.

Media reports indicated that the value of the contract is around $140 million annually, equivalent to $750 million over five years, which is significantly higher than what the ESPN network owned by Disney was paying, approximately $90 million annually since 2018.

The deal comes at a time when Apple is seeking to strengthen its position in the live streaming market, which is facing fierce competition from Netflix and Disney+.

The company had previously entered the sports field by broadcasting NFL games and "Friday Night Baseball," but it is now betting on Formula 1 as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, confirmed that the company is pleased to expand its partnership with Formula 1 and provide a unique experience for Apple TV+ subscribers in the United States to watch one of the most exciting sports in the world live.

The deal also follows the great success of the Apple-produced film "F1" starring Brad Pitt, which has grossed over $628 million worldwide and will premiere on Apple TV+ on December 12, further enhancing the integration between sports and cinematic content on the platform.

With this move, Apple positions itself at the heart of the competition for exclusive sports broadcasting rights and confirms that sports have become a key weapon in the battle to attract and retain subscribers in the digital streaming market.