NASCAR has announced the first extension with one of its media partners, on Monday confirming Fox Sports Media Group with an eight-year multi-platform agreement that runs through 2022.
Live race streaming will be a major part of the package, set to debut in 2013, in what will be known as “TV Everywhere.”
The package includes 13 consecutive Sprint Cup Series races, the Sprint All-Star Race, Daytona Shootout, Duel at Daytona, Camping World Truck schedule and practice and qualifying for races that FSMG broadcasts.
The Daytona 500 will stay on FOX, as it has been every year but three since 2001.
“NASCAR has been in very good hands and has enjoyed tremendous success the last 12 years in large part because of our fantastic partnership with FOX and FOX Sports Media Group,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be able to extend our relationship in such a significant way for our track partners, race teams, and most importantly, our millions of loyal and passionate fans. This extension with FOX Sports Media Group helps position the sport for future growth as NASCAR continues to be an anchor with one of the world's largest and most influential media companies.”
The extensive digital rights include live digital distribution of all races FSMG has rights to broadcast, plus pre- and post-race coverage, race highlights, in-progress race highlights and replays of FOX-televised races. NASCAR re-acquired its operational, business and editorial control of its digital platform earlier this year.
“With FOX still having two full seasons remaining on their current television contract with NASCAR, today's announcement is a testament to the strength and vitality of NASCAR in today's sports landscape. FOX is a major player when it comes to owning the broadcast rights of premier sporting events and they see the immense current and future value of this great sport,” said Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage.
“We're proud to have the first Saturday night Sprint Cup Series race of the season on FOX with the Texas 500 and look forward to seeing how they further grow the sport through their continued and enhanced presence. One of the key components of that growth should come through their increased digital rights, including the ability to finally stream races live through their portion of the season beginning next year. More platforms and distribution channels will provide more access for our fans and that is a very important aspect.”