Formula 1 Rumor: F1 TV to continue under new USA TV deal

Rumors suggest Formula One’s U.S. media rights may shift from ESPN to Apple TV+ after this season and F1 TV may continue in the USA.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Reports indicate Apple offered $150 million annually, far surpassing ESPN’s current $85-90 million deal, making Apple the frontrunner. However, ESPN is reportedly preparing a counteroffer, which would require adding commercials to its ad-free broadcasts to match Apple’s bid.

According to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, Formula One Management plans to continue offering its F1 TV streaming service in the U.S. alongside its next media partner. This creates a challenge for the winning bidder, as F1 TV, priced at $84.99 per year, competes directly for viewers. Despite this, ESPN has boosted F1’s U.S. audience, now averaging 1.3 million viewers per race.

Since 2018, F1 TV has been a popular direct-to-consumer option for fans to watch live races without a traditional TV subscription. If Apple secures the rights, fans have questioned whether it will remain available in the U.S.

Should it continue, Apple or ESPN would face direct competition from the league-owned streamer for viewership.