TNT Sports has set its sights on acquiring the Formula 1 (F1) broadcast rights in the United States, with intentions to enter the U.S. sports broadcasting arena next year. According to Luis Silberwasser, the chief executive of TNT Sports, the company is keen on securing the rights following ESPN’s exit after the 2025 season, as reported in various outlets.
The current broadcasting deal means that ESPN shows live coverage of Grand Prix weekends, a contract that is set to expire after the 2025 season and isn’t expected to be renewed. In February 2025, Puck News reported that ESPN would not pursue another broadcast agreement for the 2026 season. This shift opens the door for other networks, allowing TNT Sports to potentially join the fray.
Current frontrunners for the F1 broadcasting rights also include streaming giant Netflix and NBC. Talks had reportedly taken place between various networks and F1 executives during Super Bowl weekend, suggesting that the competition for these rights is heating up.
Silberwasser expressed his enthusiasm during a recent appearance on the Varsity podcast, stating, "UFC is a fantastic property and has piqued our interest. Formula One, as well. Given our experience with sports internationally, we know the passion for F1 and we know that in this market, it has grown and it has great potential as well." This insight reflects TNT Sports' acknowledgment of the expanding popularity of motorsports in the United States.
For U.S. viewers, this shift is significant but does not impact those in the UK. Sky Sports currently has exclusive rights to air every F1 race in the UK until at least 2029, maintaining its status as the sport’s primary broadcaster in that region. Recently, the long-term extension to this deal was confirmed in 2022, just days before the Singapore Grand Prix.
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali emphasized the importance of Sky Sports as a partner, saying, "We are incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with Sky and we are delighted to announce that we will continue working together until 2029. Since the beginning of our relationship in 2012, we have both strived to bring the excitement, emotion, and drama of Formula One to our traditional fans while engaging new and more diverse audiences." His comments not only reinforce the bond between F1 and Sky Sports but also highlight the commitment to making F1 accessible to a broader audience.
Moreover, Channel 4 also provides live coverage of the British Grand Prix, allowing UK viewers an additional option for F1 viewing, further distinguishing the television landscape for F1 broadcasts in the UK versus the U.S.
With TNT Sports expressing its desire to enter the F1 broadcasting landscape, the implications could be vast for U.S. viewers who have relied on ESPN for coverage. As the 2026 season approaches, the potential for diversity in broadcasting options illustrates the growing intrigue around F1 in the U.S. market, now fueled by multiple streaming platforms and networks vying for fan engagement.
As F1's popularity continues to surge globally, the dynamics surrounding its broadcast rights may signal a new era of viewership in the United States. Whether TNT Sports, Netflix, NBC, or another contender becomes the next home for F1, one thing is clear: the competition is just getting started, and fans will be watching the race unfold both on and off the track.
With audiences growing and F1 attracting younger demographics, the strategic moves by networks entering the fray could shape the future of how American audiences engage with the sport, further entrenching F1 as a staple of motorsport entertainment. As we look ahead, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence viewership and accessibility for fans eager to follow the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 racing.
