FOX slammed over NASCAR coverage as $27 billion – Sports News
FOX is going through intense scrutiny as its NASCAR coverage comes beneath fire, coinciding with a $27.76 billion rival broadcaster shattering a decade-old viewership file
After securing a landmark seven-year, $7.7 billion media rights deal with FOX Sports, NBC, Amazon Prime, TNT, and different shops — splitting coverage of the races— expectations had been high for a surge within the NASCAR Cup Series rankings. But the narrative has shifted, with the underdog collection now claiming the higher hand in viewership and fan consideration.
The second spherical of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly AutoParts Series at EchoPark Speedway delivered 163 laps of thrilling motion, culminating in a first-time winner.
After a number of near-misses all through his O’Reilly profession, 2018 Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed lastly broke by means of, securing victory with a dramatic last-lap cross early Saturday night.
The Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at EchoPark Speedway drew 1,366,000 viewers on the CW—FOX’s $27.76 billion rival—making it the most-watched Atlanta race in ten years.
Interest surged late within the occasion as Creed fought for a breakthrough victory, with viewership peaking at 1,798,000 during the ultimate laps. Compared to final yr’s Atlanta race, the viewers grew by 5 p.c.
The CW partnership is proving to be a main success. The season opener at Daytona International Speedway drew 1,812,200 viewers, peaking at 2,321,000 during the thrilling end of the United Rentals 300, a vital soar over final yr’s last numbers.
While not matching the Cup Series’ huge numbers, the CW partnership has already exceeded expectations set by NASCAR’s seven-year top-tier media deal. The Autotrader 400 on Sunday drew a strong 4.49 million average viewers, although barely down from final yr’s 4.59 million.
As a end result, many people have been calling FOX’s coverage “embarrassing”. One viewer stated: “Watching on Saturday is enjoyable. The sales space looks like outdated mates having a good time. Sunday is embarrassing as compared.
“Harvick and Bowyer can’t stop talking over each other. The commercials are ridiculous. And they miss wrecks in real time. I am so glad CW has OAPS. I might just catch the highlights of the cup later.”
Many viewers additionally famous that Saturday’s broadcasts really feel more natural and interesting, with higher pacing, tone, and on-air chemistry in contrast with the crowded, hectic coverage of Sunday’s Cup Series races.
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