ESPN will continue to be broadcasting Formula One races in the coming years. The deal between Liberty Media-owned Formula One and the Walt Disney Company for ESPN to continue broadcasting Formula One was announced on Saturday. With this new deal, ESPN retains the rights until 2025 in the United States.
This new three-year deal expands direct-to-consumer rights. Those details have not been announced. It also includes more races shown on ESPN and ABC with additional coverage also provided by Sky Sports television. This next season is set to have a record 24 races.
“We are delighted to announce that our partnership with ESPN will continue,” said Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali in a statement.
“Formula One has seen incredible growth in the United States with sold-out events and record television audiences… The ESPN networks have played a huge part in that growth with their dedicated quality coverage.”
ESPN began broadcasting Formula One in 2018 when it took over from NBC Sports. The audience has grown significantly as the sport continues to grow in the United States. It also is reaching a new and younger audience.
This last year was the most viewed season ever on United States television. On average there were 949,000 viewers per race, Formula One shared. That has increased throughout the season to an average of 1.2 million viewers per race after 18 of the 22 races in 2022. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix broadcast on ABC television earlier this year generated an average viewership of 2.6 million. This was the largest U.S. audience ever for a live Formula One race.
What do you think about ESPN continuing to hold the broadcast rights for Formula One? Do you watch Formula One? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
