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Formula E finds a new home on Disney+, ESPN+

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Why This Matters

The new multiyear broadcasting deal for Formula E on Disney+ and ESPN+ significantly expands the sport's global visibility, leveraging Disney's extensive reach to attract new fans worldwide. However, in the US, the move may lead to reduced viewership due to ESPN+'s declining subscriber base compared to Roku, where the sport was previously more accessible. This shift highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in sports media distribution in the digital age.

Key Takeaways

Formula E is set to make a big change in terms of visibility when season 12 gets underway this December. It has signed a new multiyear deal to broadcast the sport on Disney+ and ESPN+ in 144 countries, with live coverage of each entire ePrix, from practice through qualifying to the race. The new media deal means that here in the US, Formula E will be shown on ESPN+ from next season; since 2023, the sport has been shown live on Roku.

“This is a landmark moment for Formula E and reflects the incredible momentum behind our Championship,” said Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds. “Disney’s unrivaled global reach and storytelling will introduce Formula E to millions of new fans while bringing them closer than ever to the drama, innovation, and excitement of electric racing. As we enter the GEN4 era, this provides an exceptional platform to accelerate our global growth and continue building one of the world’s most exciting sports properties.”

Actually, the new deal will mean fewer eyeballs on the sport, at least here in the US. More than 100 million US households subscribe to Roku (as of April this year), whereas ESPN+ has been losing subscribers since peaking at the end of 2023 and is now down to roughly 24 million households in the US.