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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead the field to turn one after taking the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bluegreen Vacations 500 at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead the field to turn one after taking the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bluegreen Vacations 500 at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
In an unprecedented piece of news, NBC is planning to shut down the NBCSN sports channel at the end of 2021. The media giants already informed distributors and sports leagues of the astounding decision. This will strike a massive blow to NASCAR and many other sports leagues.
As it turns out, the primary reason behind this is an affiliate deal with Charter and Dish Network. Apparently, the deal did not cover the NBCSN network beyond 2021.
Reports suggest that NBC is focusing its efforts on growing its Peacock streaming service. In addition to that, it is trying to juggle the other NBC channels’ programming schedule.
Luckily, for NASCAR, broadcasting will move to a new home at the USA Network, along with the NHL and EPL.
.@NASCAR: "We are committed to ensuring that NASCAR and IMSA races are carried and distributed smartly to our broad and loyal fan base. NBC is a best-in-class partner and we will work together to ensure continued high quality delivery of our events now and in the future." pic.twitter.com/6O8ug9bIsL
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) January 22, 2021
What else will happen to the NASCAR broadcasting scene?
The IndyCar series was not too badly affected, as the television rights will end after the current season. However, NBC’s contract with NASCAR and the IMSA runs through until at least 2024.
In terms of services, the media giant offers multiple subscription-based packages for the fans. There is a TrackPass platform that offers NASCAR regional content.
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TALLADEGA, AL – OCTOBER 14: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford, and Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Cummins/Rush Truck Centers Ford, lead the field to the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 14, 2018 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Truthfully speaking, it is a shame for NASCAR fans that the situation has come to this. The sport penned a deal with NBC Sports in 2014, following an extension with longtime partner FOX Sports.
As per this deal, more races were aired on the NBC Sports Network and FOX Sports 1. Apparently, the primary goal was to boost its standing compared to ESPN.
Now that this has happened, it will be interesting to see how the broadcast situation pans out. Hopefully, the sport is able to figure something out before the 2021 season concludes. Fortunately, the fans will still have the likes of Fox Sports and ESPN to fall back on.
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