NASCAR 'likely' moving Xfinity Series to streaming-only package

With TV negotiations on the table this year, NASCAR seems prepared to move the Xfinity Series to a streaming-only option next year. With TV losing more and more viewers each year, not just in NASCAR, but across the board, the move to a streaming option might make sense. That won’t help fans who are still holding out against streaming platforms.

According to a report from John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, NASCAR has shopped the idea around and two companies are interested in the Xfinity Series package. Ourand noted “Nothing is close to being finalized,” however, there is an expectation of a “handshake deal” happening by July 4th.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series races 33 times a year. With the current deal splitting the seasons between Fox and NBC, perhaps a consistent home would be good for the series. Those two broadcasters have a negotiating window opening up this month and there will be several talks in the coming weeks.

If NASCAR does move the Xfinity Series to streaming only, it will be a first. The sport has not yet dove into the world of streaming. Peacock has simulcast races in the past, but nothing exclusive. With how outdated the media deal is, more than a decade, it makes sense why there aren’t many streaming options.

Other sports have switched to streaming to some success. The Supercross and Motocross for instance have found a home at Peacock. However, there are others, like Thursday Night Football on Amazon, that have been busts.

NASCAR isn’t just thinking about the Xfinity Series, though.

Could Cup and Xfinity Series races be on streaming services?

Also in the report from Ourand, was an interesting “carve out.” NASCAR isn’t just thinking about taking the Xfinity Series to streaming. It is thinking about adding a six-race cutout of the Cup Series schedule to put on streaming services as well. TNT used to host six summer races, it would be similar to that format.

With all of the talk and negotiations, Amazon seems to be the company most interested in the six Cup Series races. It seems that NASCAR is in the driver’s seat, excuse the pun. They have a product that has seen increasing viewership numbers in the last month or so compared to the year before.

As the sport continues to look for new ways to grow, streaming isn’t a bad option. Young people do not watch TV. Hardly ANYONE watches TV. People talk about shows getting 11 million viewers now like it is a cult phenomenon. The show Joe Millionaire pulled in 40 million people in 2003 and that was in its final season.

My point is, change is sometimes good. NASCAR was bound to come to streaming platforms at some point. Television just isn’t what it used to be. Whether it is the Xfinity Series or select Cup races, it is likely coming soon.