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Formula E Lands ESPN/Disney+ Broadcast Deal

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Formula E Lands ESPN/Disney+ Broadcast Deal

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Disney+ and ESPN have signed a broadcasting rights agreement with the Formula E championship . The deal was reported on August 12, 2026 . This agreement grants the Disney streaming platform and its sports network the rights to broadcast the all-electric racing series. The announcement represents a change in the media distribution of Formula E within the United States. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed in the initial report . The partnership places Formula E content on ESPN's linear television networks and the Disney+ streaming platform. This development is part of a broader trend of traditional sports leagues and properties seeking streaming partnerships to expand their reach. Formula E previously had broadcast arrangements with other networks, making this a notable switch in its U.S. media strategy. The deal is structured to include live race coverage and potentially additional content across the ESPN and Disney platforms. The agreement comes as Formula E continues its 2026 season, which features races in multiple international cities. The series is owned by a consortium that includes major players in the automotive and sports industries.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On 13 September 2014, Formula E held its inaugural race in Beijing.
· On 2 August 2024, Formula E expanded U.S. streaming rights with Roku.
· On 5 January 2025, Mexico City E-Prix drew 10.5 million CBS viewers.
· On 22 April 2026, Formula E detailed GEN4 car technical specifications.
· On 23 June 2026, Formula E released 21-race 2026/27 season calendar.
· On 11 August 2026, Disney and Formula E announced multi-year streaming deal.
· On 11 August 2026, Formula E confirmed deal begins with 2026/27 season.
· On 11 August 2026, Formula E stated existing linear TV partnerships continue.
· On 11 August 2026, Disney+ becomes global streaming home across 144 territories.
· On 11 August 2026, U.S. viewers get races on ESPN and ESPN+.
· On 11 August 2026, Formula E replaces CBS Sports with Disney in U.S..
· On 11 August 2026, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
· On 11 August 2026, Formula E CEO called this a "landmark moment".
· On 15-16 August 2026, Season 12 finale takes place in London.
· On 18 December 2026, Season 13 opens in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
· On 6 February 2027, Formula E races at Circuit of The Americas.
· On 20 February 2027, Miami E-Prix marks second U.S. race.
· On 25 July 2027, Season 13 concludes with Tokyo finale.
· The GEN4 era debuts with 600kW cars faster than F1.
· Disney+ will stream every practice, qualifying, and race session.
· Formula E may negotiate additional U.S. linear TV partner.
· Additional Formula E-Disney content beyond live races possible.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: U.S. fans gain expanded streaming access via Disney+ and ESPN+.
Possible long-term US impact: Accelerates Formula E's U.S. growth and streaming sports migration.
Affected groups: U.S. motorsport fans, Disney+ subscribers, ESPN viewers, CBS Sports, Roku.
Reader prioritisation: Verify local linear TV partner; compare Disney+ vs ESPN+ access.