The contract spans a duration of seven years, extending until the 2031 season. Speculations about streaming platforms like Amazon potentially broadcasting the NXS races circulated, but no such arrangement came to fruition.
The Xfinity Series, formed in 1982, is the final step before the top-level of the sport and has produced several future Cup champions over the years.
NASCAR has yet to announce a broadcast partner for its Cup and Truck divisions.
Currently, NBC and FOX split the Xfinity races, but The CW Network has signed an exclusive deal to broadcast all 33 events, along with practice and qualifying.
The CW is making a significant effort to include more live sports content as part of their programming. They have recently reached agreements to air LIV Golf Events, as well as ACC football and basketball matches.
The CW was also home to IndyCar’s 100 Days to Indy documentary series, which aired earlier this year.
According to the Sports Business Journal, the network is investing approximately $115 million annually for media rights.
Dennis Miller, President of The CW, stated that the addition of the NASCAR Xfinity Series to The CW is a significant development for both the network and its CW Sports division. This move aligns with their programming strategy and enhances the viewing experience for fans, as live sports are highly popular. With The CW’s extensive national reach, the series will benefit from increased exposure. The NASCAR Xfinity Series joins a lineup of sports programming on The CW, which includes INSIDE THE NFL, ACC college football and basketball, LIV Golf, and the motorsports documentary series 100 DAYS TO INDY.
Starting in 2025, The CW will offer live sports programming on 48 weekends each year. As one of the top five major broadcast networks in the country, The CW’s distribution will ensure that NASCAR Xfinity Series races reach a wide audience, providing increased accessibility for fans and generating additional revenue opportunities for The CW and its affiliates.
Brian Herbst, Senior Vice President of Media and Productions for NASCAR, expressed his excitement about partnering with CW. He praised CW’s vision for nurturing the next generation of NASCAR talent by exclusively broadcasting the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Herbst highlighted the series’ ability to attract over one million viewers each week and create thrilling moments that engage both existing and new fans of the sport.
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