Ever Trend Zone Earlier this week, Financial Times Apple reported that it was actively negotiating to acquire streaming rights for US F1.
Business Insider Now based on that report, Apple, who says “aside from last minute changes,” is poised to secure the deal.
From today’s report:
Apple has submitted bids worth at least $150 million a year to stream races since 2026. ESPN will not match or beat it, according to sources familiar with negotiations.
So, aside from last minute changes, there is already a deal to stream professional baseball games, and with all the major league soccer games coming, next year there will be a third sports streaming offer.
Following on to Financial Times Tuesday’s report, pack Apple reported that it has filed offers of $150 million to more than $200 million per year for its rights to F1 streaming in the US. ESPN currently holds these rights and pays approximately $90 million a year. As ESPN trades expire after this F1 season, Apple plans to take the wheels from the 2026 season.
If the transaction passes, it marks a significant expansion of Apple’s sports ambitions. Currently, Apple TV+ is the exclusive home for all major league soccer games. Apple TV+ streams exclusive MLB games every week through Friday night baseball broadcasts.
It is also a major brand synergy opportunity for Apple after the successful debut of F1: The Movie last month.
Of course, there are many questions about how Apple streams F1. It will likely exist as another streaming package along with Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass. Also, as I asked earlier this week, it is unclear what the trade means for F1 TV. That’s possible, or maybe probablythat Apple has acquired exclusive rights to F1 streaming in the US and withheld access from F1 TV.
F1, baby.
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