Fox Sports Mexico loses F1 broadcasting rights

Fox Sports Mexico did not broadcast the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend. Grupo Lauman, which has operated the channel since 2021, lost the Formula 1 broadcasting rights. The company is facing multi-million dollar lawsuits and legal battles in two countries.

The Progressive Collapse of the Channel

The collapse had been brewing since May, when the channel failed to air the practice and sprint qualifying sessions for the Miami Grand Prix. The race was eventually broadcast without any explanation. In August, the practice sessions for the Dutch Grand Prix were also not shown, and by the end of September, NASCAR and IMSA events disappeared for an entire weekend. NASCAR streamed for free on YouTube after issuing a statement about contractual problems with Grupo Lauman, but returned to the channel a week later.

MLB left the channel in August and now Fox Corporation broadcasts it on Tubi and Caliente TV. The Premier League, NFL, Liga MX, WEC, and WRC have also left the channel. Rayados suspended broadcasts due to non-payment, and Pachuca has documented breaches of contract since 2022.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

The Story Behind the Acquisition

Grupo Lauman purchased Fox Sports Mexico in 2021 when the Federal Telecommunications Institute forced Disney to sell it after its acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The reason: Disney already owned ESPN, and maintaining ownership of both sports channels would create a monopoly. Grupo Lauman operates the channel under a license for the Fox Sports brand, paying Fox Corporation for the use of the name. This license expires in November 2026, according to Grupo Lauman's arguments in court.

Fox Corporation, which operates Fox Sports in the United States, has no stake in Fox Sports Mexico beyond licensing its brand. The debts and legal problems belong solely to Grupo Lauman.

The Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuits

Fox Corporation sued Grupo Lauman in California for $52 million dollars for breaches of contract related to León and Pachuca. Concacaf is claiming another $31 million dollars for Concacaf Champions League broadcasting rights. The dispute over the brand: Fox Corporation maintains that Grupo Lauman's license has expired, although the Mexican company argues it holds the rights until November 2026. A court in Mexico City and a court in New York have ordered Grupo Lauman to cease using the Fox Sports brand.

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Sky Sports Takes Over

Sky Sports signed a multi-year agreement to broadcast Formula 1 in Mexico, which was originally set to begin in 2026. The collapse of Grupo Lauman forced them to move the start date forward. Sky Sports signed a last-minute deal to cover the remaining races of the 2025 season, starting from Singapore. IZZI confirmed that the race will be broadcast this Sunday at 6:00 AM.

The agreement includes broadcast television but does not include digital exclusivity. F1 TV, the category's streaming platform, will remain available in Mexico. Sky Sports will initially use that feed while it develops its own production for the Mexican market.

The Austin Grand Prix is on October 19th, followed by Mexico on the 24th. Four more races remain to close the season: Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.