Apple has emerged with a $150 million bid to acquire the broadcast rights for Formula 1 races in the United States. According to Business Insider, this move puts the company ahead of Disney’s ESPN, which holds the US broadcast rights. ESPN reportedly pays approximately $85 million annually under its current agreement, while Apple has offered nearly twice that amount.

Apple acquires Formula 1 broadcast rights! $150 million deal in the works

According to sources familiar with the matter, Disney has reportedly no intention of matching Apple’s offer. Other potential candidates, such as Netflix, have shown limited interest. As a result of these developments, the US broadcast rights for Formula 1 races are expected to transfer to Apple TV+ starting in 2026.

With this deal, Apple further expands its presence in the sports broadcasting space. Apple TV+, which currently broadcasts Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Soccer (MLS), is taking a significant step in its global sports content strategy by adding Formula 1 to its portfolio.

This development demonstrates that Apple’s interest in Formula 1 is not limited to broadcast rights. The success of the company’s big-budget film “F1: The Movie,” which grossed over $300 million worldwide, has also translated into theatrical and digital streaming. The film will be available on Apple TV+ in late 2025.

While Apple has yet to make an official announcement, industry sources indicate that the deal is very close to being finalized. If the deal goes through, Apple TV+ will become the new destination for Formula 1 fans in the US.