NASCAR’s next TV deal receives big updates, Amazon pursuing a streaming deal
NASCAR’s next TV deal will begin at the start of the 2025 season, meaning the current contracts with FOX and NBC have two more years left. However, the sport is negotiating with the networks so far with a possible surprise to come.
According to John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal, FOX and NBC have expressed their desire to retain their NASCAR rights and move forward into the future. This comes as the exclusive trading window until April has reportedly begun.
As of now, talks with FOX, NBC and NASCAR are going smoothly and it seems quite likely that they will stick around. However, there’s another eye-opening twist to the upcoming TV deal.
Related: ESPN may be interested in NASCAR’s new TV deal for 2025 season
NASCAR continues talks with FOX and NBC, Amazon likely to be aggressive in pursuing streaming on October 22, 2017; Kansas City, KS, USA; The NBC announce team speak before the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley – USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR will continue to speak to FOX and NBC throughout the process and Sports Business Journal has the latest information on those discussions. According to the website, FOX and NBC may seek to keep their rights fees flat or slightly increased.
Meanwhile, NASCAR will seek a longer television contract of up to 10 years in a bid to increase the average annual payout. Even if the sport wants to continue with both networks, there is another factor involved.
Ourand reports that NASCAR will likely let the exclusive negotiation window expire without a deal. This is due to the sport wanting to add a third package which would be primarily for a streaming service.
According to Sports Business Journal, Amazon is probably the most aggressive in finding a streaming package. It comes after Amazon secured the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package for the 2022 season and beyond.
It would be a major change in how NASCAR is presented going forward. However, it may not be for Cup Series races if that happens. This will be something to pay attention to moving forward.
These days, it’s no surprise to see NASCAR pursuing the possibility of a streaming service. This means that fans would have to purchase a streaming service to watch certain events during the season.
It seems likely from the reports above that NASCAR will continue with FOX and NBC. Frankly, it’s good for the sport to have these big networks, but it never hurts to add another big one.
The reality of the situation is that a decision is unlikely to be made anytime soon. It will be an interesting story to follow as the desire for better television production among NASCAR fans has never been stronger.