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Recently, the r7ghtAmerican open-wheel racing, INDYCAR and FOX Sports have announced an exclusive media rights partnership that will bring the entire 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES to FOX's family of networks.
The multi-year agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, marks the first time in nearly 60 years that a single broadcast entity will air all INDYCAR races, qualifying sessions and practice coverage beginning in 2025.
"This is a monumental partnership that secures the broadcast future of INDYCAR on a national level," said Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., which owns INDYCAR. "FOX Sports' commitment and unparalleled reach will ensure that our sport's rising stars and most breathtaking moments are showcased on the biggest stage."
Since its 2019 acquisition by media mogul Roger Penske, INDYCAR has seen a resurgence in popularity, making this new TV deal a top priority to capitalize on the growing fanbase.
"We've been aggressively pursuing a nationally televised package to provide maximum exposure," said Miles. "With FOX Sports, we've secured the ideal broadcast partner to elevate INDYCAR to new heights."
The partnership shifts INDYCAR away from its previous broadcast model that split race coverage between NBC and USA Network. All events, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500, will air on either the FOX broadcast network or FS1 cable channel.
According to FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, landing the INDYCAR rights gives the network a major motorsports property to pair with its cornerstone NASCAR and NHRA packages.
"INDYCAR is simply the best brand and competition for us to round out our motorsports offerings," stated Shanks. "The speed, drama and open-wheel flair bring a welcome new dimension."
While INDYCAR courted offers from other major networks like ESPN and CBS, FOX's successful and longstanding relationship with NASCAR racing is seen as a key advantage in attracting new viewers.
"No one markets and promotes motorsports to mainstream American audiences better than FOX," said INDYCAR owner Roger Penske. "They have an unmatched ability to draw in casual fans and spotlight the incredible talent in our series."
Financial analysts project the deal could be worth over $100 million per year, a significant increase from INDYCAR's previous broadcast arrangements that reportedly paid out around $20-25 million annually.
As part of the new package, FOX plans to use its latest broadcasting enhancements – including multiple cameras per car, cutting-edge graphics and advanced telemetry integration – to showcase INDYCAR's high-octane product.
With major players finally aligned, all eyes turn to 2025 and whether FOX's full-court press can elevate America's premier open-wheel series to the next level.
