Apple TV's Latest Sports Deal Is for Formula 1

"In August, multiple outlets reported that Apple was ending its deal to broadcast Major League Baseball games. This led to some wider discussions about how important sports actually were to the streaming service now known as Apple TV, as well as speculation that it could signal Apple's broader withdrawal from the sports broadcasting world. While Apple TV's approach to sports does seem to be changing, a high-profile deal announced this week suggests a shift in approach rather than a full change in direction."

"Some races will be made available to watch free of charge, and practice sessions will also be made widely available."We are no strangers to each other, having spent the past three years working together to create F1 The Movie, which has already proven to be a huge hit around the world," explained Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. "We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked.""

"In an appearance on the podcast The Town prior to the announcement of the Formula 1 deal, Apple's senior vice president of Services, Eddy Cue, spoke of Apple's deal with Major League Soccer as a model for future partnerships."MLS is closer to what we wanted to do, which is we'd like to own a sport end-to-end so that we can offer customers what we do today, which is you don't have to worry about blackouts, you don't have to worry about how to watch," Cue told The Town."

Apple ended its Major League Baseball broadcast deal in August, prompting speculation about a retreat from sports broadcasting. Apple TV will become the home of Formula 1 beginning in 2026, with the service hosting all practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix. Some races and practice sessions will be available free and widely accessible. Formula 1 leadership emphasized an existing collaborative relationship and a shared vision to expand U.S. viewership through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach. Apple frames the Major League Soccer arrangement as a model for owning a sport end-to-end to simplify viewing and remove blackouts.

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