NASCAR Cup Series Secures Groundbreaking Media Rights Agreements Through 2031
NASCAR Cup Series secures a major media deal through 2031 with FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Prime Video, and TNT Sports, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enhanced visibility for all NASCAR Cup Series races.
In an unprecedented move, the NASCAR Cup Series has ushered in a new era of sports broadcasting by finalizing remarkable seven-year media rights agreements with industry leaders. Starting in 2025 and extending through 2031, NASCAR Cup Series races will be showcased by FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Amazon's Prime Video, and TNT Sports, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery. This landmark deal, which details financial terms under wraps, marks a significant milestone in sports broadcasting.
The NASCAR Cup Series, a cornerstone of American motorsports, will continue its long-standing partnership with FOX Sports and NBC Sports. Each network will telecast 14 races annually, with FOX Sports inaugurating the season with iconic events like The Busch Light Clash and The DAYTONA 500. Additionally, FOX Sports will provide exclusive coverage of the entire NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. NBC Sports will cover the thrilling conclusion of the Cup Series, including the Playoffs and the much-anticipated Championship race. Both networks will balance their coverage between broadcast and cable, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans.
2025 marks the introduction of two new broadcasting giants into the NASCAR Cup Series universe - Prime Video and TNT Sports. These new partners will evenly divide a series of 10 midseason races, adding a fresh dynamic to the coverage. Prime Video, NASCAR’s first fully direct-to-consumer partner, will stream practice and qualifying live for the first half of the season, with TNT Sports taking over for the latter half. These agreements include exclusivity for practice and qualifying sessions, making them a one-stop destination for avid NASCAR fans.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps hailed this agreement as a strategic blend of traditional and modern broadcasting, aimed at enhancing the sport's reach and engaging fans across diverse platforms. He emphasized NASCAR's role as a key player in both traditional and emerging media landscapes, reflecting the sport's enduring appeal and growing audience base.
Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s senior vice president of media and productions, highlighted the importance of these agreements in the evolving media world. He pointed out that this mix of media partners is strategically positioned to promote and deliver NASCAR content, catering to the diverse preferences of fans and ensuring uninterrupted access across established platforms.
In the words of FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks, this extended partnership with NASCAR, especially as the continuing home of the DAYTONA 500, underscores a mutual commitment to delivering high-octane racing excitement.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed enthusiasm for continuing to crown the NASCAR champion on their platforms, leveraging their extensive network to capture the season's climactic moments.
Prime Video, embarking on its first venture into live motorsports, will bring NASCAR Cup Series racing directly to Prime members in the U.S., a move lauded by Jay Marine, Vice President and Global Head of Sports at Prime Video. Meanwhile, Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, celebrated the return of NASCAR to TNT Sports, promising to deliver immersive fan experiences across various platforms.
This deal not only marks a significant expansion in NASCAR's broadcasting reach but also sets the stage for a new era of motorsports coverage, promising unprecedented access and engagement for fans worldwide. The NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for an exciting future, powered by these groundbreaking media rights agreements.