Source: Ars Technica
Introduction
Electric vehicle motorsport is preparing for a major broadcast transformation as Formula E finds a new home on Disney+ and ESPN+. The multiyear broadcasting agreement is scheduled to take effect when season 12 commences this coming December.
Fans across 144 countries will gain access to comprehensive live coverage spanning every single ePrix event. The programming will capture all on-track action from initial practice sessions and intense qualifying rounds through to the final competitive race.
What Happened
The newly announced media partnership transitions the electric racing series away from its previous broadcasting arrangement. In the United States, viewers have watched the championship broadcast live on Roku since 2023.
Under the terms of the updated international broadcast agreement, US audiences will now tune into ESPN+ to follow the competition. The sweeping multiyear contract guarantees extensive international distribution across its designated 144 countries via the Disney+ and ESPN+ platforms.
Background
Formula E leadership views the collaboration as a pivotal juncture for the championship's ongoing international expansion. Series executives emphasize the vast reach of the broadcasting partners as a catalyst for introducing the sport to entirely new demographics.
Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dodds addressed the significance of the agreement in an official statement. He noted that the partnership aligns closely with the upcoming technological transition into the GEN4 racing era.
Timeline
| Event / Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Previous US Broadcast Home | Since 2023 (Roku) |
| US Household Reach Comparison | As of April (Roku: 100M+ / ESPN+: ~24M) |
| New Season 12 Commencement | This December |
Key Details
The broadcasting agreement encompasses live feeds of every official session throughout race weekends. Subscribers will no longer miss crucial developmental laps, as coverage begins with practice, moves through qualifying, and concludes with the main race.
Geographically, the distribution footprint spans 144 distinct nations. This coordinated rollout utilizes both Disney+ and ESPN+ to maximize platform availability depending on regional configurations.
Impact
While global reach expands significantly, the domestic landscape reveals a distinct contrast in potential audience figures within the United States. Roku reported holding over 100 million US household subscribers as of April of this year.
Conversely, ESPN+ experienced subscription declines after reaching its peak toward the end of 2023. Current estimates place the platform's US household subscriber base at roughly 24 million, indicating a reduction in potential domestic viewership.
What Happens Next
The championship will officially inaugurate its new broadcast partnership this December when season 12 gets underway. As the sport moves toward the GEN4 era, organizers intend to leverage this platform to accelerate global growth and solidify its standing among major global sports properties.
