Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) is in discussions to acquire the US broadcast rights for Formula 1, potentially replacing ESPN as the current rights holder when its contract expires after the 2025 season, according to a report from The Financial Times on Wednesday.
Per the report, which cited sources familiar with the matter, Apple’s interest in Formula 1 is part of a broader push to expand its presence in live sports broadcasting.
The company has already entered into agreements with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Acquiring Formula 1 rights could further enhance Apple TV+'s sports offering as it seeks to grow its audience and compete with streaming rivals, the publication said.
The potential bid comes on the heels of the success of “F1: The Movie,” a Brad Pitt-led film produced by Apple that has grossed between $293 million and $300 million at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo. The film is now Apple’s highest-grossing movie to date.
Apple’s interest also coincides with efforts by Liberty Media, Formula 1’s US-based owner, to expand the sport’s American footprint, the Financial Times highlighted.
Walt Disney’s ESPN currently holds the exclusive US rights to broadcast Formula 1 but lost its exclusive renewal window earlier this year, sources told Reuters back in February.
This opened the door for competing bidders such as Apple and Netflix, the latter of which is also reportedly interested in acquiring the rights beginning with the 2026 season.
Apple, Liberty Media, and Formula 1 declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.