Formula E, the all-electric motor racing series, has today (June 27) announced an extended broadcast deal in the US with national network CBS and a new agreement with the Roku streaming service.
Beginning in January 2024, five races will air live on CBS Television Network and simulcast on the Paramount+ over-the-top (OTT) platform, with both channels already featured and integrated prominently on Roku’s site.
Roku users that subscribe to Paramount+ can access the races airing on the service through the Paramount+ app on Roku’s Sports Experience offering. CBS Sports Network will also show one highlights program per round.
The new partnerships mark Roku’s first-ever live sports rights acquisition.
Starting next season, 11 races in the Formula E World Championship will be available on The Roku Channel video-on-demand service and will also be accessible through the Sports Experience on Roku’s Home Screen.
In addition to live races, Roku will also provide Formula E library content, including its docu-follow series ‘Unplugged’, as well as race previews, highlights, and replays of all races.
The multi-year deals with CBS Sports and Roku come after Formula E’s first race at the Portland International Raceway in Oregon last Saturday (June 24).
Last week, Formula E confirmed that the series will return to Portland in season 10, when the new broadcast partnership will be active. The season 10 provisional calendar has now been unveiled.
Aarti Dabas, Formula E's chief media officer, said: “This is a powerful new partnership with CBS and Roku that will dramatically increase Formula E’s audience reach and maximize the discoverability of our programming in the USA.
“We value the strength of our ongoing relationship with CBS and are delighted to join forces with Roku and supercharge Formula E content on its market-leading platform.”
David Eilenberg, head of content at Roku Media, added: "It’s an honor to partner with Formula E on Roku’s first-ever live sports partnership, making it easier for millions of TV streamers to discover the thrill of Formula E races through the unique integrated viewing experiences only available on Roku.
“We look forward to working together with Formula E, as well as our longstanding partners at CBS and Paramount+, to drive viewership to this programming and to connect new audiences with the exhilarating world of Formula E.”
The ongoing ninth Formula E season will conclude next month with two races in Italy (July 15 and 16) and two in the UK (July 29 and 30).
The series’ 10th campaign will begin on January 13, 2024, in Mexico.
