Apple is gearing up to snatch Formula 1 streaming rights from ESPN with a bold $150 million bid, potentially making Apple TV+ the exclusive home of F1 races in the U.S.
This move marks another aggressive push into live sports by the Cupertino tech giant, following its success with Major League Soccer and its growing interest in the NFL and Major League Baseball.
Currently, ESPN holds the U.S. broadcast rights for Formula 1, paying about $85 million annually. But Apple’s offer nearly doubles that, signaling a serious intent to take the lead in sports streaming. Business Insider reports that the deal is close to closing, and if secured, it could go into effect as early as next year.
This isn’t Apple’s first dive into F1. The tech giant recently produced F1: The Movie, which grossed over $300 million globally. That success appears to have fueled Apple’s appetite for more motorsport content and a larger slice of the sports media pie. With its signature high-end production and tight ecosystem, Apple is positioning itself not just as a content platform, but as the definitive destination for Formula 1 fans.
Other platforms like Netflix had also shown interest in F1 streaming rights but failed to make it happen, leaving Apple the apparent frontrunner. If the deal closes, it would further elevate Apple TV+ as a serious contender in the live sports arena and deepen its influence over international sports entertainment.
This potential acquisition aligns with Apple’s broader content strategy: deliver exclusive, premium experiences that draw in subscribers and keep them hooked. Formula 1’s massive global fanbase could be a golden ticket to expanding Apple TV+ into an even more powerful platform.