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Ronda Rousey made a surprise appearance at AEW Revolution 2026.

Conan O’Brien hosts the 98th Academy Awards tonight for the second time, and didn’t hold back on the punches surrounded the current situation in the world.

You probably already know your Social Security check doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. But what you may not realize is exactly how fast the gap is growing between what you receive and what you’re expected to pay for care.A new report from the AARP Public Policy Institute, released this week, paints a picture that should alarm anyone approaching retirement or already living on a fixed income. The cost of the most common long-term care services has jumped nearly 50% in just five years. And the income meant to help you keep up? It grew by less than half that rate. The numbers get worse the deeper you look. For millions of retirees, the question is no longer whether care will be affordable. The question is what happens when it isn’t.Long-term care costs are rising two to three times faster than retiree incomeThe AARP report, based on data from the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, tracked changes in long-term care costs from 2019 to 2024. The findings cut across every type of care older Americans rely on.Home care and assisted living costs rose by close to 50%, adult day services increased 33%. Nursing home costs climbed 25% and over that same five-year window, the median household income for Americans 65 and older grew by just 22%.If you’re a typical older adult earning around $60,000 a year, the annual cost of moderate home care (roughly 30 hours per week) now consumes nearly your entire income. Assisted living or a nursing home exceeds it.What long-term care actually costs in 2024 dollarsAccording to the AARP report, the national cost of long-term care now ranges from about $26,000 a year for adult day services to nearly $128,000 for a private nursing home room.Cost breakdown by care type:Adult day services: approximately $26,000 per yearHome care (30 hours/week): approximately $50,000 or more per yearAssisted living: varies widely by state, up nearly 50% since 2019Private nursing home room: approximately $128,000 per yearCompare those numbers to a median household income of roughly $60,000 for adults 65 and older. Then consider that the median financial assets for households headed by someone 75 or older sit at about $50,000. That’s barely enough to cover one year of home care or a few months of nursing home care before savings run dry.Social Security’s 2.8% raise barely covers your rising Medicare premiumThe Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026, translating to about $56 more per month for the average retired worker. That brings the typical monthly benefit to roughly $2,064. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set the 2026 Medicare Part B premium at $202.90 per month, up $17.90 from $185 in 2025. That’s a 9.7% increase, more than three times the COLA. In practical terms, roughly a third of your Social Security raise goes straight to Medicare before you can spend a dollar on groceries, rent, or prescriptions. The Part B annual deductible also climbed from $257 to $283.This pattern has repeated for two decades, and it’s getting worseAn independent analysis by Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson found that from 2005 to 2024, Medicare Part B premiums rose an average of 5.5% each year. Over the same period, Social Security COLAs averaged just 2.6%.The reason is structural. Medicare costs are not included in the Consumer Price Index used to calculate the COLA. So while the COLA formula tracks things like gas and groceries, it largely ignores the fastest-growing expense retirees actually face, which is healthcare.More Medicare/Medicaid:AARP raises a red flag on Social Security, MedicareIf your Medicare plan was canceled, do this nowAARP explains huge new Medicare change coming soonAccording to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the 2026 Part B premium increase will consume more than 25% of the Social Security COLA. And Part B premiums as a share of the average Social Security benefit will reach an all-time high of 9.4%.Middle-income retirees face the tightest squeezeThe AARP report identifies middle-income older adults as the group under the most financial pressure. You earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, which covers long-term care for low-income Americans. But you don’t earn nearly enough to comfortably absorb these rising costs.About 60% of households headed by someone 65 or older include more than one person. When a large portion of household income goes toward one person’s care, fewer resources remain for a spouse or partner. The financial strain doesn’t stop with the person receiving care.Related: Retirees may earn more with a MYGA than a savings accountThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 56% of adults who turned 65 between 2021 and 2025 will need long-term care services during their lifetime. Yet many people have no plan for how they’d pay for it, often mistakenly believing Medicare will cover the costs.Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care. It covers limited stays in skilled nursing facilities after a hospital admission, but not the ongoing home care, assisted living, or custodial nursing home care that most people actually need.Where you live dramatically changes what you’ll payLong-term care costs aren’t uniform across the country, and your state plays a major role in what you’ll spend. The AARP report found that for every type of service, the cost in the most expensive state is at least double that of the least expensive one.State-level cost differences at a glance:Most expensive states for long-term care: Maine, West Virginia, OregonLeast expensive states: Louisiana, Maryland, Utah, TexasIn wealthier states, higher local incomes can partially offset home care costs, but nursing home care remains expensive almost everywhere. The state-by-state variation matters for planning. If you’re considering relocating in retirement, long-term care affordability should be a factor alongside housing costs and tax rates.When care becomes unaffordable, families absorb the cost themselvesThe financial reality of long-term care has created a parallel economy of unpaid family caregiving. When professional care is out of reach, spouses, adult children, and other family members step in.According to the AARP report, unpaid caregivers provided support valued at an estimated $600 billion in 2021 across the United States. Many of these caregivers reduce their work hours or leave jobs entirely to manage caregiving duties, sacrificing their own income, savings, and retirement security in the process.“More families have no choice but to step in themselves, often providing care beyond what they realistically have the time, resources or capacity to handle,” said Alan Weil, Senior Vice President at the AARP Public Policy Institute. A 50-year-old who leaves the workforce to care for a parent loses years of earnings, employer retirement contributions, and Social Security credits. Those losses follow you into your own retirement.Steps you can take to protect yourself and your familyThere is no single solution to the long-term care affordability crisis, but there are steps you can take now to reduce your exposure.Planning moves worth considering:Don’t assume Medicare will cover long-term care: It generally does not. Understand what Medicare Parts A and B actually pay for, and where the coverage gaps are.Evaluating long-term care insurance early: Hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care coverage are worth exploring, but read the fine print on benefit triggers and inflation protection.Check your state’s Medicaid eligibility rules: Medicaid is the primary public payer for long-term care, but eligibility thresholds and covered services vary significantly by state.Build healthcare costs into your retirement projections: A retirement plan that doesn’t account for rising Medicare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and potential long-term care needs is incomplete.Talk to your family before a crisis hits: Discuss who would provide care, how costs would be shared, and what legal documents (power of attorney, advance directives) are in place.Consider your location: If you’re planning a retirement move, factor in long-term care costs and Medicaid access in your target state.None of these steps eliminates the risk entirely. But each one narrows the gap between what you might need and what you can afford.What’s being done at the policy level, and what’s stalledAARP has been pushing Congress to expand long-term care coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, and to provide stronger financial support for family caregivers, including a proposed caregiver tax credit.President Trump advocated for a caregiver tax credit during his campaign, but as of March 2026, related legislation has stalled in Congress. The broader political landscape around Medicare and Medicaid remains uncertain, with ongoing debates over program funding and benefit structures.“AARP is working to help families afford long-term care by expanding access to services and supports, so they aren’t forced to rely solely on unpaid caregivers or drain their savings,” Weil said. “We’re advocating for public policies that ease the financial burden and protect older adults and their families.”For now, the gap between what care costs and what retirees can afford continues to widen. And until policy catches up, the financial burden falls directly on you and your family.

WWE Raw airs March 16 from San Antonio. AJ Lee vs Bayley for the Women’s IC Title, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns return, Stone Cold 3:16 Day buzz.

Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang made Oscar history tonight, becoming the first individual of South Korean descent to win Best Animated Feature for Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.

Taco Bell revealed more than 20 upcoming menu innovations and brand partnerships during its third Live Más LIVE event held in Hollywood, Calif., earlier this month.The fan-focused event, launched in 2024, serves as a stage for the fast-food chain to preview new products and collaborations set to debut at its U.S. restaurants in the year ahead.Several celebrities appeared at the event, including Benson Boone, Doja Cat, Peso Pluma, and Demi Lovato, but one highly-awaited announcement stood out among fans.”This show is built specifically for the fans, and that’s what I appreciate the most about Taco Bell,” said host Vince Staples during the event.Taco Bell makes Nacho Fries permanentAfter years of limited-time returns and strong customer demand, Taco Bell confirmed that Nacho Fries will officially become a permanent menu item later in 2026.First introduced in 2018, Nacho Fries feature crispy fries seasoned with Mexican spices and served with the brand’s signature nacho cheese sauce.The item quickly became one of the chain’s most successful menu launches. Taco Bell’s roughly 7,000 U.S. restaurants sold more than 53 million orders in the first five weeks following the original debut, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.At the event, the company also unveiled Flamin’ Hot Nacho Fries, an upcoming variation paired with Flamin’ Hot Nacho Cheese sauce for an added spicy kick.Taco Bell Nacho Fries become a fan-favoriteSince Nacho Fries’ debut, Taco Bell has repeatedly brought them back as a limited-time offering, often introducing new variations to maintain customer interest.Nacho Fries variations testedLoaded Steak & Jalapeño Topped Fries7-layer Nacho FriesSteak & Guac Nacho FriesGrilled Cheese Nacho FriesChicken Bacon Ranch Nacho FriesSupreme Beef & Loaded Taco Nacho FriesPoutine Nacho FriesThese recurring releases helped create a “cult following” around the menu item, while generating buzz each time the fries returned to restaurants.

Taco Bell makes Nacho Fries a permanent menu item in 2026.Shutterstock

Why Taco Bell tests menu itemsLike many major restaurant brands, Taco Bell frequently introduces new menu items through limited-time offers or regional test markets before committing to a nationwide rollout.This approach allows companies to evaluate customer demand, refine recipes, and reduce financial risk before expanding a product to all markets.Test launches also create anticipation among consumers, which is essential for chains amid intensifying competition across the restaurant industry.Menu items Taco Bell turned into permanent hitsNacho Fries are not the first Taco Bell item to evolve from a test or limited-time promotion into a permanent menu staple. Several of the brand’s most successful products followed a similar path.Limited-time items made permanentCrunchwrap Supreme: Introduced as a limited-time item in 2005 before becoming permanent in 2006, according to Taco Bell.Doritos Locos Tacos: Tested in select markets in 2012 and launched nationwide the same year, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.Mexican Pizza: Originally introduced in 1985, removed from menus in 2020, and reinstated permanently in 2022, according to Taco Bell.Cantina Chicken Menu: Introduced in 2024, with several items becoming permanent menu additions that same year, according to Taco Bell.Fast-food innovation amid rising costs and shifting consumer behaviorRestaurant chains like Taco Bell are increasingly prioritizing menu innovation as rising costs and slowing industry traffic reshape the fast-food industry.According to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, prices for food away from home surged 4% in the 12 months ending January 2026.Meanwhile, food and labor costs for the average restaurant have each risen by about 35% over the past five years, according to the National Restaurant Association.To offset those increases, menu prices climbed an average of 31% between February 2020 and April 2025, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.Despite those price increases, overall customer traffic across the food service industry declined 1% in the quarter ending June 2025, according to Circana. The slowdown has pushed many chains to experiment with new products and promotions to maintain customer engagement and strengthen brand loyalty. More Restaurant Business News:Starbucks announces more store closures as strategy shiftsChick-fil-A reveals seven new menu items for Spring 2026McDonald’s revives two popular collaborations in new Happy MealStarbucks makes two big changes to 1,000 stores in 2026Industry analysts say experimentation alone is not enough to sustain long-term growth.”Creating a thriving innovation ecosystem within an organization requires more than just great ideas,” said Itonics Marketing Team Lead Sophia Hoferer. “It demands a strategic approach that connects people, processes, and technologies across departments to turn those ideas into impactful outcomes.”In a recent KPMG study, industry analysts say this type of experimentation is necessary in today’s market.”In response to the decreasing food dollar and the empowered customer, restaurants are turning to innovative business and operating models to grab a greater share of the market,” said KPMG Restaurant Segment Leader Paul Fultz and Strategy Leader of Consumer Markets Joel Rampoldt in the study.Taco Bell’s broader growth strategyThe decision to make Nacho Fries a permanent menu item aligns with Taco Bell’s Relentlessly Innovative Next-Generation Growth (RING) strategy, which focuses on accelerating menu innovation, enhancing its digital sales experience, and expanding the brand internationally. With this plan, the company aims to increase the average unit volume in the U.S. and triple Taco Bell’s global restaurant footprint by 2030.Value offerings have also become a key component of the strategy.The chain launched its Cravings Value menu in January 2024, replacing its longstanding Dollar Cravings Menu introduced in 2014, and expanded value offerings again in 2025 with its Grilled Steak Burrito lineup.Early results suggest the strategy is working. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, parent company Yum! Brands (YUM) reported that Taco Bell’s worldwide system sales increased 3% year over year, while same-store sales rose 7% and U.S. system sales grew 2%.During the earnings call, Taco Bell CEO Christopher Turner said the brand saw transaction growth across all income groups, particularly among higher-income consumers, families, and younger guests.”Taco Bell is showing us a great example of how to do that,” said Turner. “It tells us that the Taco Bell marketing and value are really resonating. The new category use occasions that the team has added are very well fit to consumer needs.”Related: Taco Bell reveals 30 new menu items launching in 2025

Big tech is about to get leaner. And for Meta Platforms, the possible job cuts could be historic.Three sources told Reuters that Meta (META) is planning layoffs, which could affect 20% or more of its workforce, according to CNBC. If that number holds, it would be the company’s largest round of job cuts since its 2022 restructuring. Back then, Meta let go of roughly 21,000 workers across two rounds of cuts, according to Reuters.Meta spokesperson Andy Stone called the news “speculative reporting about theoretical approaches.” But the backdrop driving these conversations is anything but theoretical.The potential layoffs should enable Meta to consistently raise its annual dividend amid near-term increases in capital expenditures. Meta makes a massive AI betMeta has committed to spending $600 billion building out data centers through 2028, per CNBC. And Meta’s capital expenditures could surpass $700 billion through 2030, data from Tikr.com suggest. The social media heavyweight is also investing heavily in acquisitions to widen its AI moat and onboard top-tier talent. Meta is spending $2 billion to acquire Manus, a China-based AI start-up, The Wall Street Journal reports. Notably, it has also offered $300 million over four years to attract AI talent for the Superintelligence lab, according to Wired. That kind of spending requires a trade-off somewhere.At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4, Meta CFO Susan Li explained the thinking behind the company’s aggressive infrastructure push.She pointed to AI-powered tools that are already making Meta’s developers significantly more productive.Li cited an internal figure of 80% gains in coding productivity. The idea is that a smaller, more AI-equipped team can accomplish more than a larger one without the tools.

Meta has a sustainable dividend payout ratio.Chris Unger / Getty Images

Is Meta’s dividend safe?Despite cost pressures, Meta’s financial profile remains strong, even as free cash flow growth slows. Between 2020 and 2024, Meta grew its free cash flow from $23.63 billion to $52.10 billion, indicating a compounded annual growth rate of over 21%. The AI race and heavy capital expenditures led to a 16% decline in FCF to $43.6 billion in 2025. Analysts expect FCF to fall by another 75% to $10.74 billion this year. However, analysts estimate FCF to surpass $119 billion in 2030 as AI spending normalizes. Meta pays a quarterly dividend of $0.525 per share, and its annual dividend expense is roughly $5.3 billion, indicating a payout ratio of almost 50% in 2026. Analysts forecast the annual dividend to increase to $3.81 per share by 2030. Key dividend and valuation metrics for Meta stockAnnual dividend per share (2025 actual): $2.10Estimated dividend per share (2026): $2.25 (year-over-year growth of 7.1%)Estimated dividend per share (2030): $3.81 (CAGR of 12.6% through 2030)Free cash flow (2025 actual): $43.59 billionEstimated free cash flow (2026): $10.74 billion (down 75.4% year over year as capex peaks)Estimated payout ratio (2026): 50% of FCFMeta stock dividend yield: 0.36%The dip in free cash flow through 2026 reflects Meta’s heavy investment in AI. But analysts project a strong recovery beginning in 2027, with free cash flow nearly tripling by the end of the decade.That recovery, if it materializes, would give Meta plenty of room to grow its dividend while continuing to fund AI initiatives.What’s next for Meta stockLi acknowledged at the Morgan Stanley conference that Meta has been “playing catch-up” on infrastructure capacity, and that much of what is being built today will not come online until 2027 or later.Still, she was measured in her optimism about Meta AI, which she noted already has more than one billion users, despite not yet running on a state-of-the-art foundation model.More Dividend Stocks:Down 63 percent, Warren Buffett dividend stock signals opportunity114-year-old defense stock offers a $3 billion dividend payout in 2026This megacap AI stock pays over $12 billion in annual dividends”When we have a frontier model,” Li said, “I feel quite confident that the combination of that, the distribution graph, and the network effects” will position Meta AI as a serious competitor.Down 22% from all-time highs, Meta stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 20x. At the current multiple, the megacap dividend stock could surge $1,100 over the next five years, 80% above the current price. Out of the 44 analysts covering Meta stock, 39 recommend “buy” and five recommend “hold.” The average Meta stock price target is $859, 40% above the current price. For dividend investors, the story here is straightforward. Meta is spending heavily now to set up for what it believes will be a much larger and more profitable business by the end of the decade. Whether the layoffs materialize as reported and whether the AI investments pay off will be the defining questions for META stock in the years ahead.Related: Bank of America resets Meta stock forecast on deal with AMD

Looking for good news coming out of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran?It’s hard, but people are trying as best they can.Energy Secretary Chris Wright was one who gave it a try. Asked on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program if U.S. gasoline prices will fall back below $3 per gallon by the summer travel, he said, “There’s a very good chance that’ll be true.”But then he had to add the qualifiers. “You know, there’s no guarantees in war,” he told host Kristen Welker. “The timeframe’s still not entirely clear. But I think that’s certainly a goal of the administration and very possible.”Finally, he said, “Americans will feel it for a few more weeks.”Threats continue, prices still riseWelker noted that Brent crude, the global benchmark, finished Friday, March 13, at $103 per 42-gallon barrel. And Iran has threatened to do whatever it takes to get the price to $200 a barrel, a level that might cause Americans and others to protest angrily.So, Welker asked if American should brace themselves for how $200 oil might affect pump prices. More Oil and Gas:Weekly Roundup: Iran and Energy Worries Take Their Toll on the MarketEnergy giant sends blunt $20 billion message on dividend growth147-year-old oil giant just raised dividend 4% in 2026Wright tried to dance around the question, despite Welker’s refusing to let the question go. Finally, he said, “I would pay no attention to what Iran says.”The fact is, U.S. prices at the gas pump are running around $3.70 a gallon, up more than 30% in 2026 and 24% since the end of February. The increases moderated slightly over the weekend. The AAA price on March 15 was seven cents up from March 13.Prices, I should note, vary widely — from as high as $5.51 in California to $3.695 in Pennsylvania to $3.134 in Kansas, according to AAA Fuel Prices.Brent crude is up 69.5% in 2026 at $103. Light sweet crude, the U.S. benchmark, is up more than 57% as $98.71 a barrel on March 13.

Iran has threatened to do whatever it takes to get the price of oil to $200 a barrel.Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

The odds of an Iran war resolution? Slim for nowThe question remains: When will the conflict end? The short answer: It’s not yet clear.The question is important because stock markets have been slumping since the war erupted. The S&P 500 Index fell 1.6% on the week and is off 3.5% in March.Related: Everyone should keep an eye on this Persian Gulf islandEnergy stocks have been rising, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron.That is driving Israel and the Trump administration a little crazy. Their bombs and missiles have hit military sites and cities in Iran (and Lebanon) hard. The Iranian Navy is mostly gone. So is its air force, but at least as of Sunday, March 15, Iran says it has no interest in talking about a ceasefire.Late Friday, March 13, the United States bombed military facilities on Kharg Island, the coral island off the coast of Iran. The island is Iran’s primary oil port, through which about 70% of its crude oil flows. It wasn’t clear if the port facilities were damaged.How the attack affects oil prices is not yet clear.So the fighting goes on, with some 2,000-plus people killed in Iran, another 600 in Lebanon, and small numbers among all the combatants and the nations around the Persian Gulf. Thirteen Americans have died as of Friday.The situation is dangerous enough that the U.S. Embassy in Iraq has told Americans in Iraq to leave the country after repeated attacks by Iraqi militias aligned with Iran. Five rockets struck Baghdad International Airport Sunday night local time, injuring four workers, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 15.Related: Chevron, Shell make stunning Venezuela move as Iran crisis deepens

The 2026 Formula 1 (F1) season is already underway, with the opening races completed in Australia and China. As the championship calendar moves forward, attention has now shifted to the Middle East, where rising geopolitical tensions have cast uncertainty around two of Formula 1’s upcoming events, the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.While races across Europe, Asia, and the Americas continue as planned, the safety of teams, drivers, and spectators in the Gulf region has become a growing concern. Recent retaliatory strikes and escalating regional conflicts have prompted event organizers and motorsport officials to reassess whether the Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia can still be held safely. The two races form part of the early-season Middle East leg, running from April 10-12 in Bahrain and April 17-19 in Saudi Arabia, according to the F1 event calendar.Following weeks of uncertainty, F1 has now made a decision regarding the events that many fans had been dreading. F1 confirms the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands PrixF1 has officially canceled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix for the 2026 season.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the decision during a press conference on May 14.”While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East,” said Domenicali in the press conference. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the safety of the F1 community is a top priority.”After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.”TheStreet reviewed the official announcement and press conference materials on F1’s website.

Formula 1 officially cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix for 2026.Sona Maleterova/Getty Images

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix organizers respondOrganizers in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia said they understood the decision and reiterated their commitment to their partnerships with F1.”We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns,” said Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). “On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.””Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1,” added HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC).Will the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix be rescheduled?F1 confirmed that the canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events will not be rescheduled.”Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will not take place in April,” reads an official statement on the F1 website. “While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.”The cancellation also affects F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds planned for the same race weekends.Will fans receive ticket refunds?Organizers in both countries have provided updates on refund policies for ticket holders.Bahrain Grand Prix 2026Fans who purchased tickets through the official BIC website will be offered either a full refund or a credit redeemable for a future F1 Bahrain Grand Prix. Instructions will be sent directly to the ticket holder via email, and fans can contact BIC for additional assistance.Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2026For tickets purchased through the official Saudi Arabian GP website, refunds will be issued automatically to the original payment method. The process should take between 10 and 21 working days, and no request submission is required.F1’s global impact and Middle East presenceF1’s global fan base reached 827 million in 2025, representing 12% year-over-year growth, according to the Formula 1 2025 Season in Numbers report.Although race attendance in the Middle East is lower than in other regions, it remains a strategically important market.Top three 2025 Grand Prix attendance figuresBritish Grand Prix: 500,000, according to F1 2025 season numbersAustralian Grand Prix: 465,500 attendees, per F1 2025 season numbersMexico City Grand Prix: 401,300, according to F1 2025 season numbersMiddle East 2025 Grand Prix attendanceAbu Dhabi: 203,000, according to GP DestinationsQatar: 163,000, as GP Destinations reportedBahrain: 105,000, according to GP DestinationsSaudi Arabia: No official numbers disclosed since 2023, when the figure stood at 150,000, per GP DestinationsThe lucrative business of F1F1’s total sponsorship revenue is expected to increase 15% in 2026, exceeding $3 billion, the latest Ampere Analysis study revealed.The growth reflects F1’s transformation from a traditional motorsport into a global media, entertainment, and marketing platform.More F1 Business News:Why F1’s sponsorship boom is nearing $3 billionWhy Cadillac decided to work with a fashion iconLuxury brand shares surprising F1 partnershipCostco quietly adds something F1 fans didn’t expectOwned by Liberty Media Corporation (LLYVK), F1 generated revenue of $3.9 billion by year-end 2025, up 14% year over year, driven by strong partnerships and digital advertising growth.”F1 once again delivered an exceptional year, with the sport firing on all cylinders across growth, engagement, and commercial momentum. We renewed with multiple long-term existing partners and signed several new marketing partners,” said Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang in an earnings call.Sportswear and fashion sponsorship spending has surged by 75% over the past two years, with at least seven major new deals beginning in 2026 alone.Ticket prices also reflect the sport’s premium positioning. General admission can range from $150 to more than $2,000, while ultra-VIP experiences can exceed $20,000, depending on the race location, according to SeatGeek. Related: Apple closes all stores in fast-growing market

The 2026 Oscars get underway at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT tonight in Los Angeles. Follow along with this article to get the complete list of winners after the ceremony begins.