Formula E Agrees Multiyear Broadcast Deal with Disney+, ESPN+
Formula E has signed a multiyear agreement to broadcast its races on Disney+ and ESPN+ in 144 countries, beginning with the 2024-25 season in December. The deal includes live coverage of practice, qualifying, and races.
Formula E, the electric open-wheel racing series, will move its broadcast to Disney+ and ESPN+ starting in December for its 12th season. The multiyear agreement covers 144 countries and will provide live coverage of all sessions, from practice to the main race.
This new media partnership marks a significant shift for the sport's distribution. In the United States, races will now be available on ESPN+, replacing Roku, which had carried the sport since 2023. Formula E's CEO, Jeff Dodds, described the deal as a "landmark moment," citing Disney's "unrivaled global reach" as a means to expand the sport's fanbase and accelerate growth.
However, the move to ESPN+ in the US may result in a smaller domestic audience, at least initially. While Roku has over 100 million US households subscribed, ESPN+ has seen subscriber numbers decline since late 2023, currently standing at approximately 24 million US households. The series is entering its GEN4 era with this broadcast change.
The agreement is designed to leverage Disney's extensive platform to introduce Formula E to a wider audience and enhance engagement with existing fans. The partnership aims to capitalize on the sport's existing momentum and showcase the technology and competition inherent in electric racing.