Key Highlights

  • Disney signed a multi-year agreement making Disney+ the global streaming home of Formula E across 144 territories, including the US via ESPN+
  • The deal begins with the 2026/27 season, which introduces Formula E's next-generation GEN4 electric race car and expands to 21 races across 13 cities
  • Financial terms were not disclosed, and Formula E will maintain its existing broadcast television partnerships alongside the new streaming agreement
  • The agreement adds to Disney's sports portfolio, which already includes select LaLiga rights, NBA games, and the UEFA Women's Champions League

Disney Becomes Global Streaming Home for Formula E

Disney (NYSE:DIS) announced Tuesday it has signed a multi-year agreement to stream every Formula E race live on Disney+ across 144 territories, with coverage also available on ESPN+ in the United States. The deal makes Disney+ the global streaming home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, covering every practice session, qualifying session, and race, along with preview shows, highlights, and on-demand replays.

The agreement will run alongside Formula E's existing portfolio of free-to-air and linear broadcast partners rather than replace them, the companies said. Formula E, which is majority owned by Liberty Global (NASDAQ:LBTYA), said the deal would help the series reach new households while preserving broad accessibility in its established markets. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Deal Coincides With Formula E's Next-Generation GEN4 Era

The agreement begins with the 2026/27 season, which marks the introduction of Formula E's GEN4 race car, a vehicle the series describes as its fastest and most technologically advanced yet. The new season expands to 21 races across 13 cities, opening in Jeddah on December 18 and concluding in Tokyo the following July.

Formula E's chief executive said the agreement reflected strong momentum behind the championship and would help introduce the series to new fans through Disney's global reach. The company's chief media officer said the deal complements Formula E's linear broadcast network while accelerating its digital footprint. A Disney executive said the agreement would give fans around the world front-row access to the series as it enters its new technological era.

Deal Adds to Disney's Expanding Live Sports Portfolio

The Formula E agreement extends Disney's growing lineup of live sports rights, which already includes select LaLiga football rights, NBA games, and the UEFA Women's Champions League. Demand for live sports programming has become a key priority across the media industry, as such content helps draw younger viewers and keeps streaming subscribers engaged over extended periods.

Formula E previously partnered with a different US broadcaster, with races airing across cable television and other streaming platforms.