Formula E signs landmark Disney+ deal to stream championship in 144 territories

Formula E has signed a landmark agreement with Disney+, making the streaming service the global home for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starting from the 2026/27 season. The deal was officially announced by Formula E, Disney+, and ESPN, marking a major step in expanding the visibility of electric racing worldwide. Under the multi-year agreement, Disney+ will stream all Formula E content across 144 territories, including live coverage of every race weekend, practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and races themselves. In the United States, Formula E will be accessible via both Disney+ and ESPN+. The partnership begins with the launch of the GEN4 era for Formula E, which represents a technological leap forward for the series. The new cars will feature 600 kilowatts of power, equivalent to over 815 horsepower, and will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 1.8 seconds. This upgrade is part of a broader effort to enhance the racing experience for fans, with the 2026/27 season introducing an improved race weekend format aimed at delivering closer competition and more thrilling moments. Disney+ subscribers in the 144 participating countries will gain access to comprehensive coverage of Formula E events. This includes live broadcasts of all races, along with preview and review programs, race highlights, expert analysis, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and full replay options following each event. The streaming arrangement will complement Formula E’s current broadcasting deals, offering fans additional avenues to engage with the championship through both traditional media and digital platforms. Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, described the agreement as a pivotal milestone for the organization. He emphasized that Disney+'s extensive global reach would play a crucial role in attracting new audiences to the sport. “This is a landmark moment for Formula E and reflects the incredible momentum behind our championship,” Dodds stated. He noted that Disney’s storytelling capabilities would allow fans to connect more deeply with the excitement, innovation, and drama of electric racing. Michaella Snoeck, Chief Media Officer of Formula E, highlighted how the partnership aligns with the growing international interest in the championship. She explained that Disney’s vast distribution network would support local broadcasting efforts while simultaneously boosting Formula E’s presence in emerging markets. “This agreement reflects the global demand for Formula E,” Snoeck said. “Disney’s unprecedented scale complements our valued linear TV broadcast network, allowing us to serve core markets locally while accelerating our digital footprint globally.” Joe Earley, Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer at Disney Entertainment, praised Formula E for combining elite-level competition with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability. “Formula E combines world-class competition, groundbreaking technology, and sustainability in a way that's unlike any other sport,” he remarked. “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.” The 2026/27 Formula E season will span 21 races held in 13 different cities. It will kick off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18 and culminate in Tokyo on July 25, 2027. The expanded calendar and enhanced racing format aim to create a more engaging experience for viewers, ensuring that the championship continues to grow in popularity and influence. With Disney+ providing a new platform for reaching audiences, the future of Formula E appears poised for continued expansion and success.