• Loading stock data...
Friday, January 16, 2026

IndyCar Ratings Soar In Opening 3 Races, Highest In 19 Years

  • Viewership is up 34% over 2021, according to data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
  • Sunday’s Grand Prix of Long Beach produced 1.078 million viewers on NBC and Peacock.
Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports

The IndyCar season’s ratings are off to their best start since 2003 and up 34% over last year.

In terms of Total Audience Delivery (data based on Nielsen and Adobe Analytics), IndyCar is averaging a TAD of 1.148 million viewers over its first three races in 2022 compared to those of 2021 (858,000) — the best in 19 years.

Sunday’s Grand Prix of Long Beach produced 1.078 million viewers on NBC and Peacock. 

With 22,900 viewers via Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app, the race had the second-highest streaming audience in IndyCar history (Indy 500 excluded) after the Feb. 27 season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Going up against the final round of the Masters, Long Beach 2022 was the most-watched edition of the race in NBC Sports history (since 2009), posting a 0.64 household rating with a TV audience peak of 1.251 million viewers from 5:15-5:30 p.m. ET.

In July 2021, NBC announced a multiyear extension with IndyCar, though the terms were not confirmed. The previous deal agreed to in 2019 was worth a reported $20 million per year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; An NBC TV camera during the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21.

NBCU Betting on Big February Sports Run to Reignite Peacock Growth

Despite a fast-growing set of sports programming, subscribers have plateaued.
Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps walks off the stage following the state of the sport press conference in the media center at Phoenix Raceway.

NASCAR Commissioner Quits After Ugly Lawsuit Settled

Text messages showed that Phelps called Richard Childress a “stupid redneck.”
exclusive

Jason Benetti Is Leading Candidate to Be NBC’s Top MLB Voice

His contract is not up until later this year.
Cole Palmer

Versant Is Here. What Is It?

The Comcast spin-off completed its separation and is an independent company.

Featured Today

Tulsa Portal House

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center.

UFC on Paramount+ Off to Rocky Start as Prices Rise and Title..

A big UFC title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been postponed. 
January 15, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit Enters Contract Year With ESPN, Amazon

Herbstreit’s ESPN and Amazon contracts are up after the 2026-27 football season.
May 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fan Duel microphone jacket during the fifth inning between the Detroit Tigers against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
January 15, 2026

MLB Teams Seek Stability As Main Street Sports Looks to Rework Deals

The clubs are seeking more certainty on the company’s future.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.
January 14, 2026

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.
Rich Paul
January 14, 2026

Rich Paul Pitches NBA Trades on Podcast: ‘Insane and Fucked Up’

Paul proposed trading Austin Reaves on his podcast. 
May 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Truist Park.
January 14, 2026

Nats Are Latest Team to Join MLB Media Umbrella

The MLB club is departing the Orioles-controlled MASN after 21 years.
Netflix
January 14, 2026

Netflix Plans to Sweeten Bid for WBD With All-Cash Offer

The expected shift could help hasten a closing to the large-scale deal.