Thursday, October 22, 2026

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

FIFA’s World Cup Rights Shake-Up Could Favor NBC Over Fox

It’s bad news for Fox and great news for Telemundo’s parent, NBC.

College Football’s Emerging Powers Are Shaking Up TV Ratings

BYU–Notre Dame averaged 9.2 million viewers on ABC.

NBC, USA Claim Record Audience for Start of WNBA Finals

The Finals are tied 1–1 with the series shifting to Atlanta.

NBC Sports Faces Pivotal Week

The network and its parent company are at a key inflection point.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/22/26 – Rays-Brewers Can’t Stop Lockout, $771 to Watch NBA, Jaguars Fans’ Afterlife

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Mat Ishbia
Exclusive

White Sox Owner Mat Ishbia Endorses MLB Salary Cap—and Floor

The club owner told FOS he supports major economic reform.
October 21, 2026

AUSL Hasn’t Recognized Pro Softball Players Union Yet

The new AUSL Players Association wants the league at the bargaining table.
October 21, 2026

Goodell Addresses Steve Tisch, Paris Concerns, NFL Officiating

Goodell also talked about Jay-Z and Super Bowl halftime rumors.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Sep 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates at second base after hitting a two-run double during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park.
October 21, 2026

MLB Qualifying Offer Figure Rises Amid Labor Strife

An uncertain offseason for MLB is quickly approaching.
Oct 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates after a victory over the New York Liberty in game one of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
October 21, 2026

Dream Sell Out NBA Arena After WNBA Finals Schedule Change

The WNBA Finals are tied at 1.
October 20, 2026

NFL Says There Will be ‘Heightened’ Security at Paris Game

The Saints and Steelers are set to play amid civil unrest.
October 20, 2026

Adam Silver on LeBron Helicopter: ‘Perfectly Appropriate’

A source tells FOS the league is not investigating the matter.