Technology

Leg Day Just Got Smarter with EGYM

EGYM’s Smart Strength Squat makes an exercise that was once challenging to execute, now safe, effective and smart EGYM, a worldwide fitness technology leader, is applying its commitment to innovation to one of the industry’s most foundational movements. This spring, the brand unveiled the Smart Strength Squat, a fully digital, guided squat machine that unlocks […]

Published

1 month ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

EGYM’s Smart Strength Squat makes an exercise that was once challenging to execute, now safe, effective and smart

EGYM, a worldwide fitness technology leader, is applying its commitment to innovation to one of the industry’s most foundational movements.

This spring, the brand unveiled the Smart Strength Squat, a fully digital, guided squat machine that unlocks the benefits of an essential exercise for every fitness level and is particularly attractive to younger individuals prioritizing weight training. For clubs, it’s a way to meet the demand for lower-body training and differentiate your gym by offering industry-leading technology.

But while this innovation from EGYM creates positive effects for end users immediately, that’s only half the story. The way the Smart Strength Squat benefits gyms looking to secure new members and grow the EGYM ecosystem takes things a step further.

Eliminating Intimidation

Squats are often called the “king” of compound exercises for good reason. They activate major muscle groups across the legs, glutes and core, improve functional strength, and support better mobility and athletic performance.

But weighted squats aren’t easy to master. Lack of guidance on proper form and weight choice can intimidate beginner-level members and even lead to injury. Experienced members also risk poor form when fatigue sets in, especially when they don’t have a spotter.

“The squat is the cornerstone of effective strength training for the lower body, yet it remains one of the most intimidating and technically challenging exercises for many exercisers,” said EGYM North America General Manager, Dana Milkie.

EGYM eliminates this intimidation factor with the Smart Strength Squat, putting members in control and every squat-related benefit within reach.

“From the beginning of the process, digital resistance removes the need for setting up weight plates, which can be intimidating or annoying to some,” said Milkie. “Adding the automated machine adjustments and guided range of motion reduces the setup time while boosting safety. It allows for tailored and gradual progress, enabling beginners to train independently and with confidence.

“We saw an opportunity here to improve this foundational movement for everyone, giving advanced athletes a much safer way to push to their limits and reach higher training stimuli through advanced training methods, while making it more approachable for those who have previously avoided squats altogether,” Milkie added. “The machine supports training methods like negative, adaptive and explonic modes, enabling high training stimuli without the need for a spotter. It’s a rare combination, one machine that empowers beginners while delivering the training intensity experienced users demand.”

Gamification and Growth Elements

The Smart Strength Squat’s visual cues do more than just set the grounds for a safe and effective workout. They also sprinkle in an element of fun.

“Our visualization options, as well as our gamified ‘max out’ training method, are engaging forms of feedback, encouraging the users to go all in,” said Milkie. “Progress tracking through the connected software and the automatic adaptation of training weights and periodization, based on recurring strength tests, turn each workout into a data-driven experience, motivating users to beat their best while staying safe and consistent.”

The machine also benefits, and benefits from, the interconnectivity of the entire EGYM ecosystem. Through EGYM Genius, the AI-powered workout platform that weaves together entire gym floors to create tailor-made workouts, real-time performance data is used to instantly adjust workouts and personalize progress.

Feedback Thus Far

There’s already a significant amount of momentum surrounding the Smart Strength Squat. It hasn’t taken long for the industry to recognize the machine’s advantages for both trainers and operators alongside their members.

“Trainers are excited about the reduced onboarding time for beginners and how easily their members can now access a highly effective but complex compound movement like the squat,” said Milkie. “Advanced lifters are particularly drawn to the ability to safely reach muscular failure without needing a spotter. Our negative, adaptive and explonic training methods open up new possibilities in squat training that were previously not possible. This combination of performance and safety is something the market has never experienced before.”

EGYM Smart Strength Squat — credit: EGYM

The Smart Strength Squat is a clear indicator that EGYM continues to establish itself as the groundbreaking facilitator of modern fitness.

“When people look back we want this launch to be remembered as the moment squats became truly smart and accessible for all,” said Milkie. “We believe the industry will say that EGYM didn’t just innovate and add another machine, we redefined what strength training can be in the digital age by bringing these functionalities to such a complex exercise.”

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Technology

Sports Tech Dealmaking Roars Over Tariff Speed Bump

Capital markets activity in sports technology managed to produce record dollar volume in the first half of the year, according to investment bank Drake Star—despite a spring lurch in activity brought about by the Trump tariff pronouncements. “We had a bit of a wait and watch with the tariffs and the trade war last quarter, […]

Published

48 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

“We had a bit of a wait and watch with the tariffs and the trade war last quarter, but activity is starting to reemerge in some capacity. I think people have found their peace with it,” Mohit Pareek, a partner at the U.S. investment bank, said on a video call. “We did have some concerns growing in buyers’ minds but now I don’t foresee a lot of deals being dragged along because of the tariffs.”

Even with the trade war worries, sports tech capital markets activity was nearly $40 billion overall in the first half of the year, according to preliminary Drake Star data shared by Pareek, who spearheads the bank’s sports tech banking activity. That beat the back half of 2024, during which its $35.2 billion in deals handily outpaced the prior period. Drake Star, a technology-focused investment bank, will release its periodic “Sports Tech Market” analysis on Wednesday.

Private placements—venture capital and private equity investments—had their best half ever, with $6.6 billion in deals, according to Drake Star. That tally bests the $6 billion in private placement over the prior 18 months in sports tech. The number of deals this year, 239, is actually part of a trend of fewer deals per period since the first half of 2023, when private placement fundings peaked at 355. “While the number of deals are reduced, there were more high-impact deals that happened in the first half of 2025, which is a very encouraging sign for the market,” Pareek said.

Notable deals included Saudi-backed SURJ and billionaire Len Blavatnik’s $1.83 billion funding of sports streamer DAZN, as well as Infinite Reality’s purchase of Napster. Infinite Reality, the Drone Racing League owner and popular VR esports platform, renamed itself Napster with the purchase and plans to cross promote music artists with its esports and drone league fan base, according to the company’s March announcement.

The decrease in VC deal volume does indicate stronger headwinds for smaller ventures, however. Only about $900 million of the $6.6 billion deal volume was for early-stage businesses, while mid-stage companies fared even worse, just raising $400 million to start the year. “This is the time where founders need to dig deep and bring out some of those key performance indicators that investors love,” Pareek said, characterizing VCs as “picky” of late.

M&A continued its very strong recent trend, running up sports tech-related deal value worth $32.2 billion in the first half, compared to last year’s back-half record of $32.6 billion deals, according to the preliminary Drake Star data. By comparison, the first half of 2024 had $8.1 billion in M&A over is 212 deals, compared to 233 deals this year. One notable deal—Disney’s acquisition of the majority of Fubo, which will absorb Hulu, “is a very, very good outcome for the whole sports media rights industry. There’s a clear path of where things are developing here, Disney has been a working at a very strategic level,” the Los Angeles-based banker said. “They’re trying to bring fans under one umbrella to give them what they need.”

Though few of its deals this year rank among the largest, Pareek noted a substantial uptick in youth sports activity, both in VC and PE funding and in M&A. Unrivaled Sports raised $120 million in a deal led by Dick’s Sporting Goods, while Rocket Youth raised more than $100 million from Maverick Carter, CEO of LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, and Daniel Sillman, CEO of Relevant, a sports and media rights group. Currently in play and not part of the deal tally is LiveBarn, a youth sports streamer that has seen a lot of private equity bidders kicking the tires on it after being put up for sale by ownership in March, Pareek noted.

“While we see a lot of folks out there in league apps, I think we’re going to see consolidation happening where video and data and the registration platform are going to be the new norm. I think we’ll very quickly see a couple of more high-impact consolidation plays in that space,” Pareek said. “Someone who owns the youth sports ecosystem from a vertical and horizontal standpoint and can provide a one-stop solution I think is going to be the success story.”

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Technology

Tucker Carlson Criticizes Sports Betting Companies In Fiery Rant

Tucker Carlson condemned “predatory” sports betting companies in the latest episode of his podcast, “The Tucker Carlson Show.” While speaking with guest Saagar Enjeti during Tuesday’s episode, the conservative pundit launched into a rant about popular legal sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. “Why are people paying their gambling debts? … I don’t understand,” Carlson began. […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Tucker Carlson condemned “predatory” sports betting companies in the latest episode of his podcast, “The Tucker Carlson Show.”

While speaking with guest Saagar Enjeti during Tuesday’s episode, the conservative pundit launched into a rant about popular legal sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel.

“Why are people paying their gambling debts? … I don’t understand,” Carlson began. “I mean, it’s so one-sided.”

The political commentator went on to liken sports gambling to people who are “lured into” accruing college debt.

“It’s like, you’re a college student and you get credit card offers, free credit cards, and you get lured into something like this,” he continued. “You get destroyed by it, but you still have to pay your debts; so it’s all upside for them.”

Carlson added: “And then people wag their finger in your face like, ‘Oh, you’re a communist.’ Am I a communist? No, no, I’m not. If you say, ‘Why would you pay your debts? Why would you ever?’… They’re the ones who should be ashamed.”

Enjeti argued that sports betting companies shouldn’t “just [be] ashamed,” before declaring, “Our legislators should do something about it.”

Carlson, the former Fox News host, then alleged that the “people who are benefiting from DraftKings” and other companies morph the “frustration that people feel” into “race hate.”

“They basically take that momentum and they shift it into a safe direction,” Carlson said. “Like, just hate each other on the basis of the way you look.”

After Enjeti agreed, Carlson wrapped up his comments by calling the sports betting companies “the villains.”

“I’m just waiting for the guy who’s like, ‘No, no, no. The real criminals are the ones who are loaning you money at 30% interest or getting you to go bankrupt on a sports gambling app.’ Like, those are the villains,” Carlson said, before asking, “Why don’t we go after them?”

Elsewhere in the episode, Enjeti detailed the history of sports gambling. He compared the increase in gambling to the opioid epidemic, claiming it could become as bad as that “in the next 10 years.”

Watch the episode of “The Tucker Carlson Show” below.

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Technology

SEGG Media Corporation Announces Binding LOI to Acquire David Lloyd’s All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, Marking U.S. Market Entry

SEGG Media signs an LOI with David Lloyd to acquire rights for a new sports arena in Boca Raton, Florida. Quiver AI Summary SEGG Media Corporation announced a significant partnership with David Lloyd, a prominent figure in British sports and wellness, to acquire the rights to the All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, FL, valued at […]

Published

4 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SEGG Media signs an LOI with David Lloyd to acquire rights for a new sports arena in Boca Raton, Florida.

Quiver AI Summary

SEGG Media Corporation announced a significant partnership with David Lloyd, a prominent figure in British sports and wellness, to acquire the rights to the All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, FL, valued at $14 million. This venture marks the introduction of the David Lloyd brand into the U.S. market and includes the development of a state-of-the-art, 100,000 square-foot facility that will blend sports, business, and wellness amenities. The venue will feature a variety of sports courts, a luxury gym, coworking spaces, and a curated food concept by celebrity chef Todd English. McGahan of SEGG Media hailed the collaboration as a historic milestone, while Lloyd expressed enthusiasm for expanding his vision into the U.S. SEGG Media plans further expansions both in the U.S. and the Middle East, aiming to create a dominant presence in premium sports infrastructure.

Potential Positives

SEGG Media has signed a binding Letter of Intent to acquire the rights to David Lloyd’s All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, FL, marking a strategic expansion into the U.S. market.
The facility will be branded as “Sports.com All-Sports Arena, designed by David Lloyd,” integrating state-of-the-art sports infrastructure with business amenities, creating a unique destination for sport and innovation.
David Lloyd’s legacy and reputable brand in the fitness industry add significant value to SEGG Media, enhancing credibility and market appeal.
The projected $6 million in EBITDA from the first year of operations indicates a strong potential for financial success and growth in the burgeoning sports infrastructure market.

Potential Negatives

The press release heavily emphasizes forward-looking statements that are inherently uncertain, indicating reliance on future projections that may not materialize.
The company warns of numerous risks and uncertainties including its ability to secure additional capital resources and remain compliant with Nasdaq Listing Rules, which may raise concerns about its financial stability.
The reliance on the personal brand and legacy of David Lloyd raises potential risks if the partnership does not meet performance expectations, potentially affecting company growth and reputation.

FAQ

What partnership did SEGG Media announce recently?

SEGG Media announced a partnership with David Lloyd to acquire rights to the All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, FL.

What is the value of the acquisition for the All-Sports Arena?

The acquisition of David Lloyd’s All-Sports Arena is valued at $14 million.

What notable features will the Sports.com All-Sports Arena have?

The arena will include indoor courts, a premium gym, co-working space, and culinary offerings from celebrity chef Todd English.

What are SEGG Media’s future plans following this acquisition?

SEGG Media plans to expand the Sports.com All-Sports Arenas across major U.S. cities and the Middle East.

How can I view the media snippet related to this announcement?

A media snippet accompanying this announcement can be viewed by clicking on the provided link.

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.

Full Release

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

LONDON, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SEGG Media Corporation (NASDAQ: SEGG, LTRYW) (“SEGG Media” or the “Company”), a leading technology company transforming the global intersection of sports, entertainment and gaming, today announced it has signed a binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with David Lloyd, one of the most iconic names in British and European sport and wellness. The terms of the LOI allows SEGG Media to acquire the rights to David Lloyd’s All-Sports Arena in Boca Raton, FL at a $14 million valuation. The agreement marks the launch of the David Lloyd brand into the U.S. market.

The LOI was signed by David Lloyd and Matthew McGahan, Chairman and CEO of SEGG Media, on July 9th during Wimbledon, inside the prestigious Members’ Enclosure. David Lloyd, a member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, personally invited McGahan as his guest for this symbolic occasion. McGahan described the moment

as “an honor and a privilege, marking a historic milestone for SEGG Media, the Sports.com brand and David Lloyd himself.”

A First-of-Its-Kind Destination for Sport, Business and Innovation

The facility – a 100,000 square-foot brick-built arena already completed in the heart of Boca Raton – will be branded as “Sports.com All-Sports Arena, designed by David Lloyd.” The venue will be the first of its kind in Florida, blending state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure with cutting-edge co-working and business amenities.

Key features include:

Indoor padel, basketball, and pickleball courts; climbing walls; and AI-driven golf simulators

A full-service premium gymnasium designed to David Lloyd’s specifications

Approximately 10,000 square-foot luxury co-working space, inspired by Dubai’s successful “Nook” model

Private offices, boardrooms and business services for sports professionals and entrepreneurs

A unique street food concept, curated and fronted by renowned celebrity chef Todd English

David Lloyd: A Legacy of Excellence in Fitness and Tennis

David Alan Lloyd is a former professional tennis player, Davis Cup captain, and a lifelong leader in British sport. He founded David Lloyd Leisure in 1982 and opened the first club that year. Today, the brand operates 130 premium health, fitness and racquets clubs — including 101 in the UK and 29 across Europe — and serves over 710,000 members. The business was acquired by Whitbread PLC in 1995 and has since become one of the most recognized names in the health and fitness industry.

Lloyd’s leadership helped shape the careers of many British tennis stars, including Tim Henman, whom he mentored to the world’s top 10. He is also a former chairman of Hull City A.F.C. and Hull FC.

“This is more than just a gym – it’s a sports and business ecosystem,”

said Matthew McGahan, Chairman and CEO of SEGG Media

.

“To partner with a legend like David Lloyd, and to bring this level of quality and ambition to the U.S. market, is a major step forward for Sports.com and for our shareholders.”

David Lloyd added:

“After a lifetime in sport and club development, I’ve waited for the right moment and the right partner to bring my vision to the U.S. This partnership with SEGG Media’s Sports.com brand opens the door to an entirely new era. I couldn’t be more excited to launch in Boca Raton – and this is just the beginning.”

Global Rollout Strategy Across U.S. and Middle East

This Boca Raton launch marks the first in a bold international rollout strategy. SEGG Media and David Lloyd are actively preparing expansion plans across major U.S. cities and the Middle East, leveraging Sports.com’s global digital audience and David Lloyd’s operational excellence.

With additional facilities in development, Sports.com All-Sports Arenas, designed by David Lloyd, are poised to become a dominant force in premium sports infrastructure worldwide. The model is fully scalable, with the potential to deliver high-margin returns through a unique blend of sport, wellness, community and entrepreneurship.

David Lloyd’s projections are that the Boca facility will deliver over $6 million in EBITDA in its first year of operations. With additional facilities in development, Sports.com All-Sports Arenas, designed by David Lloyd, are poised to become a dominant force in premium sports infrastructure worldwide.

About SEGG Media Corporation

SEGG Media (Nasdaq: SEGG, LTRYW) is a global sports, entertainment and gaming group operating a portfolio of digital assets including Sports.com and Lottery.com. Focused on immersive fan engagement, ethical gaming and AI-driven live experiences, SEGG Media is redefining how global audiences interact with the content they love.

About David Lloyd

David Lloyd is one of the most respected figures in global sport and fitness. As the founder of David Lloyd Leisure, he pioneered the luxury health club model across the UK and Europe. His name is synonymous with elite training, family lifestyle, and transformative wellness destinations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding the Company’s strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Form 8-K, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “initiatives,” “continue,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the date they are made. The Company cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. In addition, the Company cautions you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the Company’s ability to secure additional capital resources; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to complete acquisitions; the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules; and those additional risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K/A filed by the Company with the SEC on April 22, 2025, and the other documents filed, or to be filed, by the Company with the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in the reports that the Company has filed and will file from time to time with the SEC. These SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

This article was originally published on Quiver News, read the full story.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Technology

Gains for tech stocks push Nasdaq to another record | News, Sports, Jobs

A rally in big tech stocks led the broader market to a higher close Wednesday, lifting the Nasdaq to an all-time high and helping Wall Street claw back most of its losses from earlier in the week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% for its first gain this week. The benchmark index remains near […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A rally in big tech stocks led the broader market to a higher close Wednesday, lifting the Nasdaq to an all-time high and helping Wall Street claw back most of its losses from earlier in the week.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6% for its first gain this week. The benchmark index remains near the record it set last week after a better-than-expected U.S. jobs report.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%. The Nasdaq composite, which is heavily weighted with technology stocks, closed 0.9% higher. The gain was good enough to nudge the index past the record high it set last Thursday.

Nvidia rose 1.8% and became the first public company to exceed $4 trillion in value after its share price briefly topped $164 each in the early going. Shares in the AI boom poster child were going for around $14 per share at the start of 2023.

The tech rally came as Wall Street continued to weigh the latest developments in President Donald Trump’s renewed push this week to use threats of higher tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. in hopes of securing new trade agreements with countries around the globe.

Wednesday was initially set as a deadline by Trump for countries to make deals with the U.S. or face heavy increases in tariffs. But with just two trade deals announced since April, one with the United Kingdom and one with Vietnam, the window for negotiations has been extended to Aug. 1.

This latest phase in the White House’s trade war heightens the threat of potentially more severe tariffs that’s been hanging over the global economy. Higher taxes on imported goods could hinder economic growth, if not increase recession risks.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would be announcing tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs at a “very, very high rate, like 200%.” He also said he would sign an executive order placing a 50% tariff on copper imports, matching the rates charged on steel and aluminum.

Copper prices eased Wednesday after spiking a day earlier. Shares in mining company Freeport-McMoRan fell 1.5%.

Financial markets swooned from day-to-day for weeks after the White House rolled out its proposed tariff hikes in the spring. With the new batch of U.S. taxes on imports not set to kick in until next month, that gives Wall Street a breather just as the next corporate earnings season is set to begin.

“I think most people are tired of tariff news and they’re starting to realize it just doesn’t matter much,” said Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors. “We’re pretty bullish about earnings. I think the rest of the market is too.”

Wall Street analysts predict that companies in the S&P 500 will deliver a combined 5% annual growth in second-quarter earnings, according to FactSet. That would mark the lowest growth rate for the index since the fourth quarter of 2023.

Delta Air Lines kicks off earnings season on Thursday, with most analysts expecting the airline’s second-quarter profit to decline from a year ago. Delta and other major U.S. carriers have trimmed their flight schedules and pulled their forecasts this year as consumers pull back on travel and other nonessential spending due to uncertainty about how Trump’s tariffs will affect their budgets.

Gains in technology and communication services stocks outweighed declines in energy and other sectors Wednesday.

Microsoft rose 1.4%, Meta gained 1.7% and Google parent Alphabet added 1.3%.

Amazon rose 1.4% a day after the online retail giant kicked off Prime Day, extending it for the first time to four days.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 37.74 to 6,263.26. The Dow added 217.54 to 44,458.30, and the Nasdaq gained 192.87 to close at 20,611.34.

In bond market trading, the yield on the 10-year Treasury slid to 4.34% from 4.40% late Tuesday.

In overseas markets, stock indexes closed broadly higher in Europe after a mixed finish in Asia.

Outside of trade talks, some corporate news surfaced Wednesday after a typically quiet early summer stretch.

Pharmaceutical giant Merck is buying Verona Pharma, a U.K. company that focuses on respiratory diseases, in an approximately $10 billion deal. If approved by Verona shareholders and U.K. officials, Merck will get access to Verona’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medication Ohtuvayre. Verona shares jumped 20.6% on the news, while Merck shares rose 2.9%.

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

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Technology

Apple Eyes F1 Streaming Crown After Box Office Victory Lap

Why It Is the Topic Trending: Apple’s Potential Entry into Live Sports Streaming with a Major Motorsport Apple’s Interest Following Movie Success: Apple’s reported interest in F1 streaming rights comes on the heels of the successful box office run of their movie ‘F1: The Movie’, suggesting a broader strategy around the motorsport. Potential Competition with ESPN: ESPN […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Why It Is the Topic Trending: Apple’s Potential Entry into Live Sports Streaming with a Major Motorsport

Apple’s Interest Following Movie Success: Apple’s reported interest in F1 streaming rights comes on the heels of the successful box office run of their movie ‘F1: The Movie’, suggesting a broader strategy around the motorsport.
Potential Competition with ESPN: ESPN currently holds the broadcast rights for Formula 1, and its contract is set to expire, creating an opportunity for other players like Apple to enter the scene.
Growing Trend of Tech Companies in Live Sports: This move would align with the increasing trend of major technology companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google acquiring rights to live sporting events.
Significant Financial Stakes: Formula 1’s broadcast rights are valuable, and the success of Apple’s movie could lead to an upward revision of their worth.
Expansion of F1’s US Footprint: Formula 1 has been actively expanding its presence in the US with races in Las Vegas and Miami, making the broadcast rights even more attractive.

Overview: Apple Reportedly Joins the Race for Formula 1 Streaming Rights

Following the impressive box office performance of its movie ‘F1: The Movie’, Apple is reportedly exploring acquiring the streaming rights for Formula 1 racing events. This ambition puts Apple in potential competition with ESPN, the current rights holder, whose contract with Formula 1 is set to expire next year. While ESPN had an exclusive negotiation period, no deal was reached, opening the door for other contenders. Apple’s interest marks the latest move by a tech giant to secure live sports content, following their previous ventures into Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. The value of Formula 1’s broadcast rights is substantial and could increase further due to the success of Apple’s film and the sport’s growing popularity in the US.

Detailed Findings: Key Details About Apple’s F1 Streaming Interest

Reported Interest in Streaming Rights: The Financial Times reports that Apple is in discussions to acquire the streaming rights for Formula 1 events.
Motivation from Movie Success: The success of ‘F1: The Movie’, which has grossed $300 million globally, is reportedly a driving factor behind Apple’s interest.
Expiration of ESPN’s Contract: ESPN’s current contract to broadcast Formula 1 races is set to expire next year.
Exclusive Negotiation Period for ESPN: ESPN had an exclusive period to negotiate a renewal but did not reach an agreement.
Growing Live Sports Portfolio for Apple: Apple has previously secured rights to Major League Baseball games (since 2022) and has a more extensive deal with Major League Soccer.
Estimated Value of Rights: Prior to the movie’s success, the Formula 1 broadcast deal was estimated to be worth $121 million per year. This figure could now be higher.
Increase in F1 Viewership on ESPN: Formula 1 viewership on ESPN has doubled since 2018, indicating growing interest in the sport in the US.
F1’s Expansion in the US: Formula 1 has been actively expanding its presence in the United States with races in Las Vegas and Miami.
Direct-to-Consumer Streaming by F1: In addition to its broadcast deal, Formula 1 also offers its own direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Potential for Apple to Outbid Competitors: The article suggests Apple might be looking to “steal away” the rights from Disney (ESPN’s parent company).

Key Success Factors of Product (Trend): Apple’s Expanding Sports Content Strategy

Content Diversification for Apple TV+: Acquiring Formula 1 rights would further diversify Apple TV+’s content offerings beyond original programming and films into the popular realm of live sports.
Attracting New Subscribers: Live sports are a major draw for viewers, and securing Formula 1 could attract a new segment of subscribers to Apple TV+.
Leveraging Existing Technology Infrastructure: Apple has the technological infrastructure and global reach to effectively stream live sports content to a vast audience.
Brand Synergy with “F1: The Movie”: Owning the streaming rights would create a strong synergy with their successful Formula 1 movie, potentially cross-promoting both ventures.

Key Takeaway: Apple Might Challenge ESPN for Formula 1 Streaming Rights

Following the success of its ‘F1: The Movie’, Apple is reportedly in discussions to acquire the streaming rights for Formula 1 racing, potentially ending ESPN’s current hold on the sport and marking a significant expansion of Apple’s live sports content portfolio.

Main Trend: Tech Giants Entering the Live Sports Streaming Arena

Apple’s interest in Formula 1 rights is part of a larger trend where major technology companies are increasingly venturing into the acquisition and streaming of live sporting events.

Description of the Trend (Tech Disruption in Sports Broadcasting)

The trend of tech disruption in sports broadcasting involves major technology companies entering the market for live sports rights, challenging traditional broadcasters and cable networks through their streaming platforms and innovative distribution methods.

What Is Consumer Motivation: Why Watch Formula 1 on Apple TV+?

Existing Apple Ecosystem: Consumers already invested in the Apple ecosystem (devices, services) might find it convenient to watch F1 through Apple TV+.
Potential for High-Quality Streaming Experience: Apple is known for its high-quality video streaming capabilities and user interface.
Accessibility on Multiple Devices: Apple TV+ is available on a wide range of devices, offering flexibility in how and where fans can watch.
Integration with Other Apple Content: Apple could potentially integrate F1 content with its ‘F1: The Movie’ or offer behind-the-scenes content and interviews.
Subscription Bundling Possibilities: Apple might eventually offer bundles that include Apple TV+ and other services, making the overall value proposition more attractive.

What Is Driving Trend: Factors Fueling Tech Companies’ Interest in Sports

Attracting and Retaining Subscribers: Live sports are a major draw for viewers and can be a key differentiator for streaming services in a competitive market.
Content Differentiation: Exclusive rights to popular sports can help tech companies stand out from traditional broadcasters and other streaming platforms.
Advertising Revenue Potential: Live sports events attract large audiences, creating significant advertising revenue opportunities.
Data Collection and Personalization: Streaming platforms can collect valuable data on viewer preferences, allowing for more personalized content recommendations and advertising.
Global Reach: Tech companies often have a global reach, allowing them to broadcast sports events to a worldwide audience.

What Is Motivation Beyond the Trend: Broader Shifts in Sports Consumption

Cord-Cutting and Shift to Streaming: Consumers are increasingly abandoning traditional cable television in favor of streaming services.
Demand for Flexibility and Convenience: Viewers want to watch sports events live or on-demand, on their preferred devices and at their convenience.
Interest in High-Quality Streaming and Features: Fans expect high-definition video, reliable streaming, and potentially interactive features.

Description of Consumers Article is Referring: The Formula 1 Fan in the Streaming Age

-Consumer Summary: The article refers to Formula 1 fans who are increasingly accustomed to consuming content through streaming services. They are potentially open to watching races on a platform like Apple TV+ if it offers a high-quality experience and convenient access, especially given the sport’s growing popularity in the US and Apple’s recent success with an F1-themed movie.

Formula 1 fans.
Likely already subscribe to or are open to using streaming services.
Potentially residing in the US, given the article’s focus on the US market.
May be aware of or have enjoyed Apple’s ‘F1: The Movie’.
Value high-quality streaming and accessibility.

-Detailed summary (based on experience and article):

Who are them: Individuals who enjoy watching Formula 1 racing, ranging from casual viewers to dedicated enthusiasts. They likely span various demographics and ages.
What kind of products they like: Subscriptions to sports channels or streaming services that broadcast F1 races, Formula 1 merchandise, and possibly video games related to the sport. They might also be interested in attending races in person if feasible.
What is their age?: Formula 1 has a global fanbase across different age groups, but the sport’s growing popularity in the US might be attracting a younger audience.
What is their gender?: While historically having a more male-dominated viewership, Formula 1’s appeal is expanding to a more diverse audience.
What is their income?: Likely a mix, but following a sport like Formula 1, which has a premium image, might correlate with a slightly higher disposable income for subscriptions and merchandise.
What is their lifestyle: Varies, but they likely have access to and are comfortable using digital platforms for entertainment consumption.
What are their shopping preferences in the category article is referring to: They likely look for convenient and high-quality ways to watch races, whether through traditional broadcast or streaming services. They might be willing to pay for dedicated sports content.
Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Frequent viewers during the Formula 1 season, which runs for a significant portion of the year.
What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations): They might follow team and driver news online, purchase merchandise through official channels or retailers, and are likely influenced by the quality and accessibility of broadcast or streaming options.

Conclusions: Apple’s Interest Could Shake Up Formula 1 Broadcasting

Apple’s reported pursuit of Formula 1 streaming rights signals a potential shift in how the sport is broadcast in the future. If successful, it would mark another significant move by a tech giant into the live sports arena, potentially offering Formula 1 fans a new platform to follow their favorite races.

Implications for Brands: Opportunities in Formula 1 and Streaming

Sponsorship Opportunities: Increased competition for broadcast rights could lead to new sponsorship opportunities within Formula 1.
Advertising on Apple TV+: Brands could explore advertising opportunities within Formula 1 broadcasts on Apple TV+.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Opportunities for brands to integrate with the Formula 1 experience on Apple devices and services.

Implication for Society: The Evolving Landscape of Sports Media Consumption

Apple’s potential acquisition of Formula 1 rights further illustrates the ongoing evolution of sports media consumption, with streaming platforms becoming increasingly important players alongside traditional broadcasters.

Implications for Consumers: Potential for New Viewing Options and Costs

Formula 1 fans in the US might gain another option for watching races, potentially with a different viewing experience and potentially incurring new subscription costs if they choose Apple TV+.

Implication for Future: More Competition for Live Sports Rights

The trend of tech companies vying for live sports rights is likely to intensify, leading to more competition and potentially higher prices for these rights in the future.

Consumer Trend (Streaming Dominance in Sports): Consumers are increasingly preferring to watch live sports through streaming services rather than traditional cable television.

Consumer Sub Trend (The Intersection of Film and Sport Consumption): The success of ‘F1: The Movie’ highlights how sports-related films and documentaries can drive interest in the live sport itself.

Big Social Trend (The Power of Big Tech in Media and Entertainment): Major technology companies are becoming increasingly influential in the media and entertainment industries, including the acquisition and distribution of content like live sports.

Worldwide Social Trend (Global Appeal of Formula 1): Formula 1 has a significant and growing global fanbase, making its broadcast rights highly valuable internationally.

Social Drive (Seeking Premium Entertainment Experiences): Consumers are often willing to pay for high-quality and convenient access to premium entertainment content like live sports.

Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025: Navigating the Fragmented Sports Media Landscape

Monitor Streaming Platform Strategies: Keep track of which streaming services are acquiring sports rights relevant to your target audience.
Explore Partnerships with Tech Companies in Sports: Consider potential advertising or sponsorship opportunities with tech companies that are entering the sports broadcasting market.

Strategic Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025: Engaging with Formula 1 and its Viewers

Consider Advertising on Formula 1 Broadcasts Regardless of Platform: Formula 1’s growing popularity makes it an attractive advertising opportunity.
Develop Content that Bridges Film and Sport: If involved in the automotive or related industries, explore creating content that connects with both the ‘F1: The Movie’ audience and Formula 1 fans.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it.

The core trend is the increasing involvement of big tech companies in acquiring live sports streaming rights, and in 2025, brands should closely monitor these developments and explore potential advertising and sponsorship opportunities within these emerging sports media platforms to reach valuable audiences.

Core Trend: Tech Disruption in Sports Broadcasting: Major technology companies are increasingly entering the market for live sports rights.
Core Strategy: Monitor and Engage with Emerging Streaming Platforms: Brands should track the strategies of tech companies in sports and explore potential partnerships and advertising opportunities.
Core Industry Trend: Shifting Sports Media Consumption: Consumers are increasingly favoring streaming services for watching live sports.
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Convenient Access to Premium Sports Content: Fans are willing to adopt new platforms to watch their favorite sports.

Final Conclusion: Apple’s F1 Interest Signals a Continuing Shift in Sports Media

Apple’s reported interest in securing the streaming rights for Formula 1 underscores the ongoing transformation of the sports media landscape. As tech giants continue to invest in live sports content, they are providing fans with new ways to watch their favorite events and creating new opportunities for brands to reach these audiences. The outcome of Apple’s pursuit of Formula 1 rights will be a significant indicator of the future direction of sports broadcasting and the growing influence of technology companies in this space.

Core Trend Detailed: The Streaming Green Flag: Tech Giants Accelerate into Live Sports Broadcasting

The core trend highlighted by Apple’s reported interest in Formula 1 is the increasing and aggressive entry of major technology companies into the arena of live sports broadcasting. This represents a significant disruption of the traditional sports media landscape, where established broadcasters and cable networks have historically held dominance. These tech giants, equipped with vast financial resources, sophisticated streaming platforms, and global reach, are strategically acquiring rights to premium sporting events to attract and retain subscribers, diversify their content offerings, and capitalize on the immense popularity and engagement associated with live sports.

Key Characteristics of the Core Trend: Decoding Tech’s Play in Sports Streaming

Aggressive Acquisition of Rights: Major tech companies are actively bidding for and securing exclusive streaming rights to a wide range of popular sporting leagues and events.
Focus on Subscriber Growth: Live sports content is a key driver for attracting and retaining subscribers to their streaming platforms, adding significant value to their overall offerings.
Leveraging Technological Superiority: These companies utilize their advanced streaming infrastructure and innovative features to deliver a high-quality viewing experience across multiple devices.
Challenging Traditional Broadcasters: The entry of tech giants is creating intense competition with traditional broadcasters and cable networks, potentially reshaping the future of sports media.
Global Reach and Accessibility: Tech platforms often have a global footprint, allowing them to broadcast sporting events to a worldwide audience, expanding the reach of the sports themselves.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Evidence of Tech’s Sports Streaming Push

Amazon’s Acquisition of NFL Thursday Night Football: Amazon’s successful foray into streaming live NFL games demonstrates the viability of this model.
Apple’s Deals with MLB and MLS: Apple’s existing agreements to stream Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer games showcase their commitment to live sports content.
Google (YouTube TV) Securing NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV’s acquisition of the coveted NFL Sunday Ticket further highlights the trend of tech companies becoming major players in sports broadcasting.
Increased Bidding Wars for Sports Rights: The competition between traditional broadcasters and tech giants is driving up the cost of sports media rights.
Growing Consumer Adoption of Streaming Services for Sports: A significant and increasing number of sports fans are opting to watch live events through streaming platforms rather than traditional cable.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: Reimagining How We Watch the Game

Shift Away from Traditional Cable Packages: Consumers are increasingly “cutting the cord” and subscribing to streaming services to access live sports content.
Greater Flexibility and Control Over Viewing: Streaming platforms offer viewers more flexibility in how, when, and where they watch sports, often on multiple devices.
Potential for Exclusive Content and Features: Tech companies may offer exclusive content, interactive features, and personalized viewing experiences to differentiate their sports streams.
Increased Subscription Costs for Sports Fans: As more sports rights move to streaming platforms, fans may need to subscribe to multiple services to watch all the events they want.
Expectation of High-Quality Streaming and Reliability: Consumers expect a seamless and high-definition streaming experience for live sports, with minimal buffering or technical issues.

Implications Across the Ecosystem: The Remaking of the Sports Media Landscape

For Brands and CPGs: Presents new advertising and sponsorship opportunities on emerging streaming platforms that broadcast live sports. Brands need to adapt their strategies to reach audiences on these new channels.
For Sports Leagues and Organizations: Offers the potential for greater revenue through increasingly competitive bidding for broadcast rights from tech giants. It also allows for broader global reach through these platforms.
For Consumers: Provides more options for watching live sports but may also lead to increased costs as content becomes fragmented across different subscription services. It also offers the potential for innovative viewing experiences and features.

Strategic Forecast: The Tech Takeover of the Sidelines

Continued Investment by Tech Giants in Live Sports: Expect major technology companies to continue to invest heavily in acquiring exclusive rights to premium sporting events.
Further Fragmentation of Sports Broadcasts: Live sports content is likely to become more spread out across various streaming platforms, potentially requiring fans to subscribe to multiple services.
Emergence of New Streaming Bundles Focused on Sports: We might see the development of streaming bundles that specifically cater to sports fans, potentially aggregating content from different providers.
Increased Use of Data and Analytics to Enhance Viewing Experiences: Tech companies will likely leverage data analytics to personalize sports streams, offer real-time statistics, and create more engaging fan experiences.

Areas of innovation (implied by article):

Enhanced Streaming Quality and Reliability: Continued advancements in streaming technology to ensure a flawless and high-definition viewing experience for live sports, even during peak viewership.
Interactive and Personalized Viewing Experiences: Developing features that allow viewers to customize their broadcast experience with different camera angles, real-time statistics overlays, and interactive polls or quizzes.
Integration of Sports Betting and E-commerce: Seamlessly integrating sports betting options and opportunities to purchase team merchandise or related products directly within the streaming platform.
Second-Screen Experiences and Social Integration: Creating enhanced second-screen experiences on mobile devices that complement the live broadcast with additional information, analysis, and social interaction features.
AI-Powered Highlight Generation and Personalized Replays: Utilizing artificial intelligence to automatically generate highlights and create personalized replay packages for individual viewers based on their interests.

Final Thought (summary): The Digital Playbook: Tech Giants are Redefining How We Watch Sports

Apple’s reported interest in Formula 1 streaming rights is a clear signal of the ongoing and accelerating disruption of the sports media landscape by major technology companies. As these giants increasingly invest in acquiring premium live sports content, they are reshaping how fans consume their favorite games and creating a new era of competition and innovation in sports broadcasting. The traditional dominance of cable networks is being challenged, and the future of sports media is increasingly looking like a digital race where tech companies are vying for the checkered flag.

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Technology

Lenovo Champions Inclusive, High-Performance Gaming at Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia

Builds on existing presence and commitment to the Kingdom following strategic investment by Alat finalized in January 2025 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Official PC & Gaming Hardware partner of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), Lenovo, is bringing its latest Legion gaming innovations directly to fans at the tournament, with a premier booth experience […]

Published

6 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Builds on existing presence and commitment to the Kingdom following strategic investment by Alat finalized in January 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Official PC & Gaming Hardware partner of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), Lenovo, is bringing its latest Legion gaming innovations directly to fans at the tournament, with a premier booth experience at Riyadh’s Content Creator Park. Positioned adjacent to the tournament’s main stage, Lenovo’s on-ground presence reflects the brand’s commitment to championing elite performance and inclusive gaming culture.

Visitors to the Lenovo booth will get their hands-on the latest Legion devices – from the powerful Legion 9i to immersive fan experience zones featuring Legion notebooks. Lenovo’s full ecosystem of gaming solutions, including notebooks, desktops, visuals, and accessories, will be on display to showcase the ultimate in performance, cooling, and design. Gamers will also get the chance to put the latest Legion devices to the test in various tournaments on the booth and stand to win prizes for topping the leaderboards.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in esports is a core part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and expand the digital entertainment sector. Through initiatives such as the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), the Kingdom plans to generate over 39,000 gaming-related jobs and contribute more than US$13 billion to national GDP by 2030[1].

Lenovo’s strategic partnership and investment with Alat, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, includes building a new manufacturing hub in the Kingdom where they will produce millions of “Saudi Made” laptops and desktops (including gaming devices) a year, as well as servers. By localizing manufacturing and expanding innovations capabilities in the Kingdom, Lenovo and Alat will together accelerate the development of a gaming and technology ecosystems—creating high-skilled jobs, nurturing local esports talent, and contributing to the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals. The partnership, which was finalized in January 2025, aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives and complements Lenovo’s presence at the Esports World Cup 2025, where the brand is showcasing its Legion portfolio to empower Saudi gamers and reinforce the Kingdom’s emergence as a global leader in esports and digital entertainment.

“With nearly 89% of the Kingdom’s population under the age of 35[2], Saudi youth are crucial to shaping the future of this sector. Gaming and Esports resonate strongly with a generation raised in a digital culture. It is inspiring to see Saudi youth embracing new opportunities, honing their skills, and engaging with a global community,” said Giovanni Di Filippo, Vice President & General Manager, Saudi Arabia. “In Saudi Arabia, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive gaming ecosystem -one that empowers youth from all backgrounds by expanding access to technology and creating opportunities to thrive. The Esports World Cup is a celebration of this spirit, where the best gamers compete on Lenovo Legion devices and prove that with the right tools, anything is possible,” he added.

Celebrating Female Gamers with #HerLegion Clan

At the heart of Lenovo’s booth programming is the #HerLegion Clan: Inclusion Night, a dedicated evening celebrating female gamers and fostering a more inclusive gaming environment. Executed in collaboration with Valar Club, this activation aligns with Lenovo’s regional #HerLegion Clan inclusivity campaign, empowering women in gaming through community-driven initiatives and on-ground visibility.

Aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on empowering women, Saudi Arabia is taking measurable steps to increase female participation in the gaming industry, with women now accounting for 48% of gamers in the Kingdom[3]. National strategies to support this growth include targeted funding for women-led game development, university programs focused on digital skills, and training initiatives in game design and esports management.

“Initiatives such as #HerLegion Clan further build on this momentum by providing safe, structured, and empowering spaces for female gamers to compete, connect, and create. These programs not only increase visibility and representation but also lay the groundwork for long-term industry leadership. As the Kingdom works to establish itself as a global gaming hub, female gamers and professionals are playing an increasingly central role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s digital entertainment economy,” added Di Filippo.

As the official PC & Gaming Hardware partner of Esports World Cup 2025, Lenovo is supporting the tournament’s efforts to scale the global esports ecosystem and build sustainable infrastructure for competitive gaming. The partnership reinforces Lenovo’s commitment to delivering high-performance gaming experiences through its Legion portfolio – powering gameplay for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

To learn more about EWC, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

Explore Lenovo Legion’s full lineup at www.lenovo.com/legion.

[1] PwC Middle East and Saudi Esports Federation report: Saudi Arabia stands to gain US$13.3 billion from Esports and gaming by 2030

[2] ConsultancyME, citing BCG and media demographic analysis

[3] Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (via ITP Live) – “The Surprising Rise of Saudi Women Gamers at 48%

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