Netflix reportedly weighing bid for US rights to Formula 1

The move, which was first reported in The Times, would mark Netflix’s first significant foray into buying season-long mainstream sports rights.

ESPN currently holds the US rights to Formula 1. The Times reported that the broadcaster’s exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with F1 has just expired, which has opened the market for bids from any other interested party. It cited industry sources as saying Netflix is expected to bid for the rights starting from the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, The Sports Business Journal reported that Netflix has hired Kate Jackson, ESPN’s Vice-President of Production, who oversees the network’s F1 coverage, to be its director of sports and “manage the live sports projects that Netflix has in the works.”

The US hosts three of Formula 1’s 24 races, and the sport is growing fast in the country.

Netflix has been increasingly experimenting with live sports broadcasting to boost subscriber numbers. It hosted two NFL games over the Christmas period, as well as the Mike Tyson v Jake Paul boxing fight in November. Netflix last month launched its weekly coverage of World Wrestling Entertainment’s Raw.

It has agreed deals with FIFA for the US rights for the 2027 and 2031 women’s World Cup.

Netflix has also enjoyed success with the Formula 1: Drive to Survive series, with a seventh season launching in March.