• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 22, 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

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

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.

NFL Divisional Round Ratings Open With Record High—and a Dip

CBS generated the biggest Saturday audience on U.S. television in 32 years.
January 20, 2026

Former NBC Reporter Michele Tafoya Files to Run for Senate

Former NBC and ESPN reporter Michele Tafoya has filed to run for Senate.
Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
opinion
January 21, 2026

NFL Should Make Refs Full-Time Employees

The league’s CBA with the NFL Referees Association expires in May.
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.
Netflix
January 20, 2026

Netflix Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, With Boost From NFL Games

Record-setting NFL games were a highlight during the quarter.
January 20, 2026

Netflix Converts Bid for TNT Sports Parent WBD to All-Cash

The shift is designed to reduce the time before the deal closes.
Rachel DeMita
exclusive
January 20, 2026

Rachel DeMita Bringing ‘Courtside Club’ Show to SiriusXM

DeMita has more than 1 million followers across all platforms.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) waits to snap the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium
January 20, 2026

Netflix, Amazon NFL Games Lift U.S. Streaming Record to New Peak

Record-setting NFL games brought streaming to a new high.