Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

NASCAR’s New Media Deals Launch As Michael Jordan’s Lawsuit Looms

NASCAR returns at the Daytona 500. And while the sport has lucrative, new media deals, it’s still dealing with a lawsuit from its most famous team owner. 

Matt Stamey-Imagn Images

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The 2025 NASCAR season begins Sunday at the Daytona 500 with a big change, and one major outstanding issue, off the track.

On a positive note, NASCAR is entering the first season of new seven-year, $7.7 billion media-rights deals. On the flip side, the season begins with an unsettled antitrust lawsuit from two teams, including one owned by Michael Jordan.

Also in 2025, NASCAR will race in a new country and launch an in-season tournament as the sport looks to continue its push into the mainstream.

Watch List

Fox will air Sunday’s Daytona 500 as it traditionally does, but the rest of the NASCAR schedule will look a little different on TV this year:

  • Fox or FS1 will carry the season’s first 14 races.
  • Amazon Prime Video makes its Cup Series debut on Memorial Day weekend at the Coca-Cola 600—NASCAR’s longest race. The streamer gets five races.
  • TNT Sports makes its debut around the Atlanta race on June 28, beginning its five-race stretch through July.
  • NBC Sports will air the final 14 races, including the playoffs.

Meanwhile, The CW has taken over rights to the second-tier Xfinity Series, which typically races on Saturdays, and was previously split between Fox Sports and NBC Sports.

Off-Track Drama

As the NASCAR world descends upon Daytona International Speedway, two teams—Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports—are beginning the season as uncharted members as their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR plays out in court. 

Last year, the teams were the only two not to sign NASCAR’s new charter agreement, instead suing the sanctioning body, arguing for a larger share of annual revenue distribution. 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick was one of four drivers to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series championship race last season, which was ultimately won by Joey Logano.

The New NASCAR

This summer, NASCAR will hold a Cup Series race outside of the U.S. for the first time in its modern history. Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will host the race June 15.

On June 28 in Atlanta, NASCAR’s debut 32-driver in-season tournament will begin. Over five races, qualified drivers will not only be racing for that event’s trophy but will also be paired head-to-head with another driver, based on seeding determined from finishes in the prior three races.

The in-season tournament winner will take home a $1 million prize.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kenny Albert Fox Sports
First at FOS

Kenny Albert’s Last-Minute NLDS Fill-In Came Mid-Colonoscopy Prep

Albert filled in for Joe Davis, who had lost his voice.
Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Division Series Extends Postseason Ratings Streak

Fox Sports and TNT Sports saw initial viewership lifts in the Division Series.
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for seventy-six yards against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium.

Combined Sports Assets Give Skydance Leverage With NFL

The company’s co-CEOs spent Day 1 meeting with employees and press.
A drone view shows the Paramount water tower at Paramount studios in Hollywood and the Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 24, 2026.

Newly Formed Skydance Is a Force in Sports Media

The large-scale deal creates a sports media colossus.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/7/26 – EuroLeague Rejects NBA, LeBron’s Helicopter Sparks Backlash, $12M Super Bowl Ads

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Kyle Juszczyk Wins Chugging Celebration Appeal, League Adjusts Policy

Juszczyk had received two fines of $14,926 each.
October 7, 2026

WNBA Semifinals Open With 1.15M Viewers, Up 10%

NBC aired its first WNBA playoff game in more than two decades.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
In addition to playing along the ocean and Intracoastal Water on the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, if you time right you also watch the sunset or sunrise.
October 7, 2026

Daylight Saving Time Remains Complicated for Golf Industry

The PGA Tour recently voiced its support for permanent daylight saving time.
First at FOS
October 7, 2026

NFL Wants to Know Which Combine Measurements Actually Matter

The NFL Scouting Combine is the focus of this Big Data Bowl.
October 6, 2026

WNBA Playoffs Deliver Most-Watched First Round Ever

Game 3 between the Aces and Fever drew 2.3 million viewers.
First at FOS
October 6, 2026

Valkyries to Host WNBA Finals Despite Doja Cat Conflict

WNBA playoff games have faced arena issues for years.