Disney+ takes global rights to Formula E in multi-year deal

Formula E race in Mexico City in January 2026

Lids Harper for Parc Fermé

Disney+ has struck a multi-year deal for global rights to the electric vehicle motor racing championship Formula E.

The Disney-owned platform has acquired streaming rights in 144 territories, including the US where it will also stream on ESPN+, beginning with the 2026/27 season.

Formula E (full name ABB FIA Formula E World Championship) is majority owned by Liberty Global, which also has ownership stakes in Virgin Media O2, VodafoneZiggo, Lionsgate Studios and a small stake in UK broadcaster ITV.

The global streaming pact with Disney will not affect the other deals it has with linear and free-to-air channels around the world, said the companies as they hailed the “landmark” agreement. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The upcoming Formula E season features an expanded lineup of 21 races across 13 cities, kicking off in Jeddah on December 18 and ending in Tokyo on July 25, 2027. It will also see the debut of the GEN4, which Formula E said is the “fastest and most technologically advanced electric racing car ever built.”

The deal comes as the value of live sports rights continues to increase, with platforms and broadcasters increasingly on the lookout for still-growing sports that don’t carry the exorbitant price tags attached to many major sports.

“Formula E combines world-class competition, groundbreaking technology, and sustainability in a way that’s unlike any other sport,” said Disney Entertainment’s co-president of direct-to-consumer, Joe Earley.

“We’re excited to help power the championship’s next chapter on Disney+ and to give fans around the globe front row access to every adrenaline-fueled race as it happens.”

Formula E’s chief media officer Michaella Snoeck added: “This agreement reflects the global demand for Formula E. Disney’s unprecedented scale complements our valued linear TV broadcast network, allowing us to serve core markets locally while accelerating our digital footprint globally and bringing our fans closer to the action than ever before.”