Apple has secured exclusive broadcast rights to Formula One in the US for a five-year period, marking a significant expansion into the world of sports. The deal is reportedly worth $140m annually, significantly more than its rival ESPN paid per season.
As part of this agreement, Apple TV will host all F1 practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint events, and major races, with select content also available for free in the Apple TV app. This move is seen as a strategic push by Apple to bolster its streaming service, Apple TV+, which has gained significant attention following the release of Brad Pitt's Formula One film.
The deal comes after the movie's box office success, grossing over $628m worldwide. According to Nielsen Sports data, F1 experienced a notable surge in new fans last year, with China reporting the largest percentage increase since the sport returned to Shanghai post-pandemic.
By securing this deal, Apple aims to tap into the growing sports market and capitalize on the popularity of Formula One. The company has already expanded its sports offerings to include Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball, positioning itself as a key player in the streaming industry's battle for coveted broadcast rights.
"We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula One," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice-president of services. "Apple TV subscribers will have front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet."
As part of this agreement, Apple TV will host all F1 practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint events, and major races, with select content also available for free in the Apple TV app. This move is seen as a strategic push by Apple to bolster its streaming service, Apple TV+, which has gained significant attention following the release of Brad Pitt's Formula One film.
The deal comes after the movie's box office success, grossing over $628m worldwide. According to Nielsen Sports data, F1 experienced a notable surge in new fans last year, with China reporting the largest percentage increase since the sport returned to Shanghai post-pandemic.
By securing this deal, Apple aims to tap into the growing sports market and capitalize on the popularity of Formula One. The company has already expanded its sports offerings to include Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball, positioning itself as a key player in the streaming industry's battle for coveted broadcast rights.
"We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula One," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice-president of services. "Apple TV subscribers will have front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet."
, it shows they're willing to invest big time in their streaming service and try to attract new customers. I'm not sure about the price tho, $140m per year seems crazy 
. But hey, if it brings in more subscribers and makes them happy, that's all that matters 
. F1 is definitely a high-profile sport with a lot of excitement around it, so I can see how this could be a good opportunity for Apple to expand their brand 
. Plus, it'll be interesting to see how they promote the deal and get people to tune in 
.
I'm loving this move by Apple! It makes total sense that they'd want to get in on the F1 action, especially with their streaming service struggling to find its footing. $140m annually is a pretty penny, but if it means getting more eyeballs on Apple TV+, then I'm all for it 
that's like crazy money!!! i think it's a genius move by them tho, they're gonna get so many new fans with the apple tv+ movie still getting all that attention... and now they're branching out to more sports too, major league soccer and baseball... what's next?! 
so epic! apple finally getting into the sports game and it's gonna be huge for their tv+ service. i mean, who doesn't love formula one? 
the numbers are insane too, $140m annually is a lot of cash... hopefully they can keep up with espn's coverage though 
but for real though this is huge for apple tv+ it was already gaining traction with that formula one film i mean brad pitt doesn't hurt anyone lol anyway idk about the price tho $140m annually seems crazy rich to me think espn paid way less and they're still kicking it old school 
. On a more serious note, I'm curious to see how this will boost Apple TV+ and attract new subscribers. And let's be real, Brad Pitt's in a movie about F1, that's like me saying I'll invest in Tesla just 'cause Elon's my favorite 
.
now it seems like apple is trying to ride that wave. idk if we'll see more of this type of deal in the future but for now, i'm hyped! 
! I mean, Formula One is like, super cool and all, but can you imagine having to deal with traffic jams every time you wanna watch a race? 
And now Apple's gonna be the one calling the shots, which is pretty wild considering they're already trying to disrupt the music and streaming game. I'm curious to see how this'll play out - will it make F1 more accessible to new fans or just price them out of the loop? 
. but seriously, getting into sports can only help their streaming service grow and attract new subscribers. plus, who wouldn't want to watch f1 practice sessions and major races exclusively on apple tv?!