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Friday, 24 November 2023 SPORTS 17
NASCAR Explores Streaming Future:
Plans to Offer 10 Cup Series Races
on Streaming Services in 2025
AS NASCAR gears up for its new television contract in 2025, lenges. NASCAR teams heavily rely on sponsorship revenue,
reports suggest a significant shift in the accessibility of the and sponsors typically prioritize exposure to a broad audi-
NASCAR Cup Series, with up to 10 midseason races poten- ence. The potential decline in viewership for races exclusive
tially available exclusively via streaming services. The deci- to streaming services may raise concerns among sponsors,
sion is part of NASCAR’s strategy to adapt to the evolving impacting the overall financial viability of these events.
media landscape and attract new bidders.
NASCAR acknowledges the industry-wide trend of offering
Initially planning to sell a six-race midseason package, select games on streaming platforms, following the exam-
NASCAR expanded the offering to 10 races in hopes of ples set by leagues like the NFL and MLB. However, the shift
enticing more potential partners. These midseason races to streaming poses unique challenges for NASCAR, given
would occur after Fox’s season segment and before NBC its fan demographic, which skews older compared to other
takes over, leaving Fox and NBC with reduced inventory sports. The age-related tech divide raises questions about
compared to their current deals. whether older fans will readily adopt streaming services to
watch NASCAR races during the summer months.
Amazon and Turner are identified as frontrunners to secure
the midseason package, with the possibility of each plat- The streaming initiative comes at a crucial time for NASCAR
form acquiring five races. However, NASCAR is reportedly as it seeks to address declining viewership over the past
optimistic that one of these media companies might commit seven years. The 2023 season finale at Phoenix marked
to the entire 10-race package. a significant drop in viewership compared to the 2016
finale, highlighting the ongoing challenges NASCAR faces
Despite Fox and NBC agreeing to continue their partnership in adapting to changing viewer habits while balancing the
with NASCAR, the move towards streaming presents chal- financial interests of teams and sponsors.
