Formula E signs global streaming deal: Disney+ to show every session live from Season 13

Formula E will have a new global streaming home from the beginning of the GEN4 era. From Season 13, Disney+ will broadcast every practice session, qualifying and race live across 144 territories, alongside ESPN+ in the United States. The new offering is intended to complement existing linear free-to-air and pay-TV coverage. However, what the deal means for broadcasters' own live streams remains unclear.

Formula E, Disney+ and ESPN have agreed a multi-year streaming partnership. It will take effect with the 2026/27 season, which is scheduled to begin in Jeddah on 18 December 2026. At the same time, Formula E will introduce its new Gen4 car.

A complete list of the 144 territories covered has not been published. The companies involved also provided no details about the exact duration or financial value of the deal.

The agreement includes every practice session, qualifying and race, alongside preview and review shows, race highlights, in-depth analysis and exclusive behind-the-scenes programming. Full race replays will be available on demand immediately after each event.

What the Disney+ deal means for existing TV partners

The new streaming offering is intended to complement Formula E's existing international portfolio of traditional television coverage. However, the announcement does not say whether the current broadcasters will remain on board for Season 13.

"This agreement reflects the global demand for Formula E," says Michaella Snoeck, Chief Media Officer of 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."

What the Disney+ agreement means for the streaming platforms operated by traditional television broadcasters remains unclear. The announcement does not specify whether future broadcast partners will still be permitted to simulcast their coverage online, either free of charge or through their own subscription services.

It is also unclear whether Formula E will continue streaming the free practice sessions on its YouTube channel at no cost. Those broadcasts are currently also embedded on e-Formula.news. The fact that Disney+ is intended to complement linear television coverage therefore does not automatically guarantee that the existing free streaming options will continue.

Disney & Formula E aim to reach new fans

"Formula E combines world-class competition, groundbreaking technology, and sustainability in a way that's unlike any other sport," says Joe Earley, Co-President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. "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."

"This is a landmark moment for Formula E and reflects the incredible momentum behind our Championship," says Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. "Disney's unrivalled 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."

Dodds also suggests that the partnership could eventually extend beyond live race coverage: "We're also excited by the opportunity to explore additional ways for Formula E and Disney to work together beyond live race coverage, creating even more innovative and engaging experiences for fans in the years ahead."