F1 and Infront agree Balkans sublicensing rights deal from 2026

Formula One has agreed a multi-year sublicensing deal with the Infront agency to broadcast the series across seven territories in the Balkans from next season.

Contract:

• Infront gains the rights to broadcast every Grand Prix, sprint event, qualifying session and practice
• Arena Sport will broadcast Formula One across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia
• CME to air the series in Croatia and Slovenia via RTL, Pop TV, Kanal A, and the Voyo platform

Context:

The broadcast landscape in the Balkans has previously been dominated by a battle between United Group and Telekom Srbija, which ended earlier this year after the latter acquired key assets from the former in a €652 million (US$744 million) deal. This transfer of assets included Sportklub, which currently holds the rights to Formula One across the Balkans.

Infront has a long history of distributing sports rights but this marks its first entry into Formula One. The distribution deal across the Balkans adds to the agency’s existing motorsport broadcast rights for the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Infront also manages the rights to the Motocross World Championship (MXGP). 

Comment:

“We are delighted to work with Infront to facilitate sub-licensing deals with Arena Sport and CME, whose dedication to creating top class programming will elevate the viewing experience for millions of fans across these territories,” said Ian Holmes, chief media rights and content creation officer at Formula One.”

Amikam Kranz, senior vice president of media, betting and technology at Infront, added: “This is a landmark moment for us as we enter the world of Formula One. Partnering with F1 to help broaden its reach in the Balkans reflects both our commitment to premium sports properties and our ability to deliver tailored media strategies across complex markets. We’re proud to bring the pinnacle of motorsport to even more fans in the region and work with such an iconic rightsholder.”

Coming next:

This sublicensing deal kicks in from the 2026 Formula One season, which will introduce a new set of technical regulations for the series including smaller cars and 100 per cent sustainable fuels.

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