Formula One extends ESPN deal

Formula One announce three year extension

Formula One have announced a multi-year extension of their deal with Walt Disney Company. The broadcast partnership which Formula One has with the Walt Disney Company will continue on till 2025, with ESPN continuing to broadcast Formula One races in the United States of America.

The extension agreement means, all races, practice sessions, qualifying and pre-race and post-race content will air on ABC, ESPN and ESPN 2 for the next three years. The deal also includes expanded direct-to-consumer rights, which will let ESPN launch new ways to engage the fans. The extension will also focus on qualifying with ESPN ready to bring qualifying in a new and enhanced way for the fans. 

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO at Formula One, commented,

“We are delighted to announce that our partnership with ESPN will continue. Formula 1 has seen incredible growth in the United States with sold out events and record television audiences, and the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar next season, alongside Austin and Miami, will see us host three spectacular races there. The ESPN networks have played a huge part in that growth with their dedicated quality coverage. We are excited to expand our relationship and continue to bring the passion and excitement of Formula 1 to our viewers in the US together.”

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation, Formula One, said,

“After Formula 1 returned to the ESPN networks five years ago, the popularity of the sport has grown impressively. The extension and expansion of our partnership is a reflection of exciting times ahead and a result of our shared desire to bring Formula 1 to as broad and diverse an audience as possible in the US. The popular commercial-free broadcasts ensure that viewers continue to engage with F1 before, during and after the race. From next year we will have six races in the Americas, which means more favourable time zones to fans in the region, making the Formula 1 offering more compelling than ever.”

Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Programming and Original Content, added,

“Formula 1 and ESPN have been a strong and successful team and we’re delighted to extend our relationship. We look forward to serving fans in some new and innovative ways in the next three years as we continue to bring the reach and relevance of the Walt Disney Company networks and platforms to Formula 1.”

The upcoming season will feature a record 24 races which will have a total of three races in the United States of America at Miami, Austin and the inaugural Las Vegas race.