Will NASCAR Move to Streaming Platforms After the Current Season?

Earlier this year, reports emerged that NBC Sports will be shutting down at the end of 2021. Obviously, this will adversely affect the NASCAR and IndyCar coverage for the coming season. However, there has been a shift towards streaming services, particularly Peacock Premium. For the uninitiated, this a paid subscription service that charges subscribers $4.99 per month.

Peacock is already familiar with NASCAR-themed coverage, courtesy of programs like Lost Speedways. This show features several abandoned race tracks and speedway, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr as the host. In addition to that show, Earnhardt Jr is also working alongside defending champion Chase Elliott in a documentary about the 2020 Cup Series champion. 

Speaking about the chance to shift to Peacock, NBC Sports Executive Jon Miller admitted that it is on the cards. He said, “That may be down the road. We haven’t gotten into that yet because our deal is not up for several more years with them. I would assume and have every reason to think that they will want be part of the NBC Sports family that are all existing on Peacock.”

What does this mean for NASCAR?

According to Miller, fans can continue watching NASCAR on NBC Sports. However, he predicted that the race broadcasts could soon move to the digital market, which means fans might have to pay more money to watch select races.

However, it is worth mentioning that time constraints have often forced shortened post-race coverage. And the move to Peacock could eliminate that issue and will be a big boon for the fans. Admittedly, NFL first broke into this market when they partnered Amazon on an exclusive basis. Now, NASCAR will want to follow in its footsteps with the Peacock platform. For now, everyone will be hoping that the sport gives NBC Sports the send-off it sorely deserves.

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