Beginning with the 2026/27 season, Disney+ will serve as the global streaming home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship across 144 territories, featuring live coverage on the platform alongside ESPN+ in the United States, according to a joint announcement from Formula E, Disney+, and ESPN (FIA Formula E). The landmark multi-year agreement brings together Disney’s digital infrastructure with the all-electric motorsport series as it launches the high-performance GEN4 vehicle era.
The streaming partnership will run parallel to Formula E’s existing free-to-air and linear television broadcast rights across respective local markets, balancing broad traditional reach with a massive digital expansion (FIA Formula E). For subscribers on Disney+, the collaboration opens access to every practice session, qualifying round, and race, complemented by preview shows, review programs, on-demand replays, and behind-the-scenes content (The Walt Disney Company).
As motorsport prepares for sweeping technological changes, the deal anchors a growing live sports lineup on Disney+, which includes regional rights for major soccer tournaments, basketball games, and international fixtures (The Walt Disney Company). Series leadership views the partnership as a critical catalyst for bringing electric racing to millions of new households worldwide.
Expanding Global Reach Alongside the GEN4 Era
The multi-year agreement coincides precisely with the debut of Formula E’s GEN4 era during the 2026/27 campaign (FIA Formula E). According to official specifications released by the championship, GEN4 cars will generate 600kW of power—equivalent to more than 815 horsepower—and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 1.8 seconds, making them roughly 30 percent faster than a Formula 1 car (The Walt Disney Company).
Formula E Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dodds stated that the collaboration marks a defining moment for the sport. “This is a landmark moment for Formula E and reflects the incredible momentum behind our championship,” Dodds said, as reported by FIA Formula E. “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.”
Michaella Snoeck, Chief Media Officer at Formula E, emphasized that the streaming alliance reinforces the championship’s digital strategy while maintaining localized linear broadcasts. According to FIA Formula E, Snoeck noted that Disney’s scale complements existing television partnerships to serve core markets effectively.
Comprehensive Race Weekend Coverage and Schedule
Subscribers across the 144 covered territories will receive complete access to every on-track moment of the race weekend (FIA Formula E). In the United States, events will stream live on Disney+ alongside ESPN+ (FIA Formula E). Beyond live racing, fans can access dedicated studio segments, expert analysis, and full event replays immediately following the checkered flag (FIA Formula E).
Joe Earley, Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer at Disney Entertainment, pointed to the sport’s unique combination of sustainability and high-speed competition. “Formula E combines world-class competition, groundbreaking technology, and sustainability in a way that’s unlike any other sport,” Earley said, according to FIA Formula E. “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 upcoming calendar features 21 races spanning 13 cities, opening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18 and concluding in Tokyo on July 25, 2027 (FIA Formula E). The format introduces modified weekend structures intended to heighten competitive stakes on the track (The Walt Disney Company).
Balancing Linear Broadcasts and Digital Platforms
While Disney+ serves as the primary global streaming home under the new contract, Formula E retains its established framework of free-to-air and pay-TV broadcasters in respective regions (FIA Formula E). This dual approach ensures that viewers accustomed to traditional television channels can continue accessing broadcasts locally while digital-first audiences utilize the Disney ecosystem (FIA Formula E).
The integration of Formula E adds to a broader sports portfolio on Disney+, which includes extensive soccer coverage, basketball broadcasts in select international markets, and major tournament programming across South America and Europe (The Walt Disney Company). As the championship concludes its current twelfth season in London, attention turns directly toward the preparations for the 2026/27 launch (The Walt Disney Company).
Official schedule updates, broadcast availability lists for specific countries, and technical disclosures regarding the GEN4 cars will be published directly through official championship channels ahead of the December kickoff (FIA Formula E). Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts or join the discussion in the comments below.