Sunday, May 24, 2026

NASCAR’s Streaming Ambitions Could Be Final Piece Of Media Rights Puzzle

  • NASCAR is in the final stages of media rights negotiations for its next deals.
  • A streaming company like Amazon may acquire a midseason package of races.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR intends on making streaming a major component of its next set of media rights deals — and figuring out exactly what that will look like might be the final step in solidifying its broadcasting future.

Fox and NBC are widely expected to keep showing NASCAR races under extended deals that would begin in 2025. But earlier this month, at the Cup Series championship race in Phoenix, NASCAR president Steve Phelps confirmed a streaming component was in the works, as well.

Right now, Fox broadcasts the first half of the NASCAR season and NBC the second, including the playoffs. The two companies pay a combined $820 million for NASCAR rights. Last year, sources had told Front Office Sports that NASCAR was shooting for as much as a 15% increase in media rights fees, which would take the circuit close to $1 billion.

Shifting Gears

This week, Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR is expanding its proposed midseason package from six races to 10 in an effort to potentially entice broadcasters to pay more for that set. Previously, Amazon and Warner Bros. Discovery had reportedly been two contenders to take that package and be a third media partner with NASCAR. In Phoenix, Phelps admitted that he thought the new media rights agreements would have been in place by now.

Conventional thinking would have an Amazon deal streaming races exclusively on Prime Video. WBD would have the option of putting races on its cable channels, TNT or TBS, or exclusively airing or simulcasting them on its Max streaming service.

Once an agreement is reached for this new midseason package, expect NASCAR to move quickly in announcing the upcoming deals.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Fox Banking on Expanded World Cup Being Its ‘Biggest’ Event Ever

The network has loaded up with outside talent from NBC and CBS.

CBS, TNT Sports Parents Face New Merger Scrutiny by Lawmakers

A group of six U.S. senators raises concerns about the proposed megadeal.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

Featured Today

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.
Charlie Pliner and Nikolas Rohrmann
May 22, 2026

How 2 Brown Undergrads Became Sports Dealmakers

An experimental project turned into a permanent course and business deal network.
May 14, 2026

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
May 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ronda Rousey (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Gina Carano (red gloves) after a women's featherweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

How Jake Paul’s MVP Plans to Build on Netflix MMA Debut

Saturday’s debut averaged 12.4 million viewers on Netflix.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
May 20, 2026

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.
May 20, 2026

NHL Playoffs Deliver Record Second-Round Ratings for ESPN, TNT

The Canadiens-Sabres series brought additional audience milestones.
Sponsored

How Microsoft and the Premier League Are Making Fans Feel Closer to the Game

The Premier League reaches fans in 189 countries. Now, with Microsoft, it is making global fandom more personal through AI.
May 19, 2026

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.
May 19, 2026

Is Sports Coverage the Solution to ‘Google Zero’?

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
Oklahoma City, OK - May 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Shams Charania at NBA Countdown during game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference finals.
May 19, 2026

Shams Charania’s MVP Scoop Highlights NBA-NFL Differences

It’s hard to imagine such a scoop happening in the NFL.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion
May 19, 2026

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.