Saturday, July 18, 2026

Apple to Bid for ‘F1’ U.S. Broadcast Rights

Fresh off its box office success of the film F1, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire U.S. broadcast rights for Formula One racing when they become available next year after ESPN’s exclusive window to negotiate a new contract will expire. FOS’s “Tuned In” writer Michael McCarthy explains how much the tech giant might pay for the racing rights and why F1 would fit seamlessly into Apple’s growing collection of sports, including MLB and MLS. Plus, a big shake-up at Red Bull as team president Christian Horner was fired after 20 years. Tech and F1 commentator Toni Cowan-Brown talks about the seismic news of the exit and the uncertain future of driver Max Verstappen.

Meanwhile, fresh off their first NBA title, the Thunder are spending $535 million to keep their championship core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren together, but not at a discount. FOS reporter Alex Schiffer breaks down the deals and whether OKC will be able to re-sign its other star Jalen Williams, and why Nikola Jokić decided against signing a new max deal with the Nuggets this summer.

And the presumed No. 1 pick in next year’s NHL draft, 17-year-old Gavin McKenna, is going to Penn State on what is believed to be the biggest NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal in college hockey history. FOS features editorial director of features Meredith Turits discusses what McKenna’s decision to leave the CHL to play in college this season might signal for the future of hockey.

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