Apple (AAPL) is leading the race to secure the exclusive U.S. streaming rights for Formula 1 in 2026, having offered about $150 million per year. This development, initially reported by Business Insider, suggests that the iPhone maker is set to outbid the current rights holder, ESPN.
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The current deal with Disney’s (DIS) ESPN is set to conclude following the present racing season. The network had encouraged F1 to explore other options after its exclusive negotiation window expired at the end of 2024. It must be noted that ESPN, which pays nearly $90 million per year for the rights, is not expected to match or exceed Apple’s offer.
Securing a deal with AAPL, which operates the Apple TV+ streaming service, would guarantee F1 a major financial gain. However, such a move carries the risk of potentially limiting the sport’s overall viewership exposure compared to the broader reach offered by a traditional major network like ESPN.
Why Does Apple Want F1 Rights?
Apple’s bid comes after its recent F1-themed movie starring Brad Pitt became its biggest box office hit, grossing over $300 million globally.
With growing U.S. interest in Formula 1, Apple sees it as an opportunity to expand its Apple TV+ sports portfolio, which already includes Major League Soccer and MLB’s Friday Night Baseball.
While AAPL has not confirmed how it will package F1 content, it’s likely to be offered as a standalone subscription or bundled with Apple TV+.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, AAPL stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 16 Buys, 10 Holds, and one Sell assigned in the last three months. At $228.27, the average Apple stock price target implies an 8.1% upside potential.
