“All About $” – Fans Attack NASCAR After $7.7 Billion Wrecks Havoc in Their Pockets

Let’s rewind our clocks to 1985. NASCAR has started telecasting the Cup Series live on television nationally. A welcome move for fans of the sport all across the country. Not even one or a couple of races missing. The entire season is there to be enjoyed in front of the square box! But, behind the scenes, the process of securing those broadcasts was far from straightforward. Rights negotiations often took place with individual track owners rather than with NASCAR itself, creating a fragmented media landscape.

In a pivotal move, NASCAR centralized its media rights in 2001. This led to a groundbreaking $2.4 billion deal with major players like Comcast and Fox. Fast forward to late 2023, and the sport added another transformative chapter. The announcement of a historic $7.7 billion TV deal. The deal set the stage for a new era of broadcasting from 2025 to 2031 for four major players. NBC, Fox, Amazon, and Warner Bros Discovery. But, with just a couple of races in, fans have become upset, particularly due to an unexpected (read unwanted) announcement.

NASCAR fans upset over FOX x Prime Video partnership for practice and qualifying sessions

As NASCAR gears up for the 2025 Atlanta Spring Race, a simple tweet from veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass highlights a major shift: “From Prime: FOX Sports will produce all 11 practice and qualifying sessions to stream on Prime Video, featuring their broadcast team of Mike Joy, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer.” This announcement has stirred a significant backlash among fans.

The recently announced $7.7 billion media rights deal between 2025 and 2031 is a pivotal moment for NASCAR, which was teased in 2023. With Amazon’s first foray into live motorsport, fans are upset that they must subscribe to access practice and qualifying sessions. The platform already has exclusive streaming rights for 5 races during the season. Many feel this move risks alienating viewers who prefer traditional broadcasting methods over streaming platforms.

The frustration only deepened when fans learned that Fox would produce these sessions yet they would not be aired on the Fox network. Instead of enjoying the familiar experience of tuning into practice and qualifying on a free, over-the-air channel like Fox, fans are left to shell out for the subscription service. Keep in mind that the price of an Amazon Prime Video subscription has gradually increased over the years! This has sparked debates on social media about the accessibility of the content (along with other Amazon services).

Fans argue that if Fox is responsible for producing the sessions, it only makes sense for those broadcasts to air on their existing channels. The expectation has always been to provide easy access to practice, qualifying, and the race, and moving the former two events to Prime Video has left many feeling dissatisfied. This is a similar sentiment fans had when NASCAR signed a deal with ESPN in 2007. Fans back then weren’t ready to get a cable subscription to watch NASCAR. This time it’s Prime Video subscription which has sparked similar frustrations.

As reactions pour in from the NASCAR community, the conversation is heating up. With fans voicing their concerns about the shift to Prime Video and the implications for race coverage, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a broader discussion on how these changes impact the fan experience.

Trending

1

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

2

Ryan Blaney Snatches Up $70 Billion Sponsor as They Leave Struggling F1 Team in the Dumps

3

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

4

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gets His Own Detectives to Unravel a Mystery of His Father’s Legacy

5

Decades Later, Dale Earnhardt’s Bold Words Echo Amidst NASCAR’s ‘Hush Money’ Allegations

NASCAR irks its loyal fans (again)

NASCAR fans have expressed their discontent with another broadcast-related issue. The Bowman Gray fiasco is still afresh! The recent decision to move practice and qualifying sessions to Prime Video has angered fans, especially since Fox is responsible for the production. One fan questioned, “So if FOX is doing all the work, equipment, and team, why is it on Prime and not FS1?” This sentiment highlights the confusion surrounding the coverage, as fans expect these events to remain easily accessible on traditional television. But, do you remember the 2023 declaration by NASCAR? Well, here is what we mean:

A deal is a deal. But, fans being pissed comes from disdain. Moreover, the inability to record these sessions has left some fans feeling frustrated. One fan lamented, “Sucks because can’t record anything,” emphasizing the inconvenience of having to rely solely on streaming. Or, fans have to wait for highlights or the entire race to be uploaded on YouTube, which takes, at least, a couple of days after the event.

Some fans are taking a firm stance, declaring, “Welp guess I won’t be watching the next 11 practice & qualifying sessions,” or “I’m still not signing up for Prime.” The feeling is that this move is a “pure money grab,” with one frustrated fan remarking on how NASCAR seems to be failing as a watchable sport.

As NASCAR navigates this new broadcasting landscape, will they be able to address these concerns and keep fans engaged? This transition looks like it is alienating loyal supporters. What do you think? Are you happy with the move or do you share similar feelings over the latest NASCAR announcement? Do let us know.